Vice Chairman of Kadin Indonesia for Trade, Juan Permata Adoe, said that Indonesia has great opportunities in improving public nutrition that can also be utilised to boost economic growth, one of which is through the franchise sector.

Juan said that the franchise potential in the country reached Rp70 trillion this year. This opportunity, according to him, can be utilised by business players from both within the country and neighbouring countries, namely Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

‘Friends from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, must take advantage of this in collaboration with local entrepreneurs. The figure of Rp70 trillion is our market in Indonesia, fixed market,’ said Juan at the opening of the 23rd edition of Fanchise & License Expo Indonesia (FLEI), Friday, 25 October 2024 at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC).

‘The payment must be clear. We support President Prabowo's programme in improving nutrition,’ Juan said.

Juan emphasised the importance of cross-border cooperation to expand the distribution of nutritious food to remote parts of Indonesia. One of the proposed strategies is to expand the franchise network of food and beverage products not only in big cities, but also to the sub-district level.

On this occasion, Juan invited the Chairperson of the Indonesian Franchise Association (AFI) Levita Ginting Supit to form a structured pattern of cooperation. He even mentioned the importance of preparing food and beverage franchise businesses that meet halal standards related to Indonesia's projection as a Halal Hub.

The need for healthy and nutritious food is increasingly urgent given the number of students in Indonesia which reaches 82 million people.

‘Indonesia's 82 million are just students,’ Juan explained, comparing Indonesia's market potential to Singapore, which only has around 5 million residents. This shows how big the opportunity is for the food and beverage sector in Indonesia in supporting the nutrition of the younger generation.

To support this growth, Kadin Indonesia is encouraging local entrepreneurs to get actively involved in the franchise system that will be extended to sub-districts across Indonesia. This will not only increase access to nutritious food, but also boost regional economic growth through the participation of MSMEs.