From May 5 to 8, 2025, AHK Indonesia/EKONID, in collaboration with the Bremen Chamber of Commerce – IHK for Bremen and Bremerhaven, led a business delegation to Indonesia to strengthen economic relations and explore new avenues for cooperation. The 16-member delegation, politically accompanied by Ms. Kristina Vogt, Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports and Transformation, was headed by Mr. André Grobien, President of the Bremen Chamber of Commerce. The initiative was also supported by the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, the Oldenburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and the Elbe-Weser Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
The delegation was received at the AHK Indonesia office in Jakarta, where Mr. Jan Rönnfeld, Executive Director of AHK Indonesia, welcomed the group and opened the event. Following introductions, participants received a comprehensive overview of German-Indonesian relations and Indonesia’s business landscape. Mr. Thomas Graf, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, spoke on diplomatic and political ties, while Mr. Rönnfeld and Mr. Oliver Döhne, Director at Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) Indonesia, offered insights into Indonesia’s economic structure and market trends. Mrs. Nurul Fatimah Khasbullah from EKONID provided a detailed briefing on the legal and regulatory framework for foreign investment, followed by a lively Q&A session that allowed for further discussion on Indonesia’s market entry landscape.
The delegation’s site visits began with PT Schaeffler Solutions Indonesia, where the group was welcomed by President Director Mr. Craig Douglas Edwards. The visit featured a presentation on Schaeffler’s local operations and strategies in the Indonesian market, followed by a networking lunch at the company’s premises. In the afternoon, the group continued to PT Adaro Energy Indonesia Tbk, where CEO Mr. Dharma Djojonegoro outlined the company’s work in energy transition and sustainable waste management. This session provided delegates with valuable perspectives on Indonesia’s evolving energy sector and opportunities for green technology collaboration.
To conclude the first day, delegates attended an evening networking reception at the German Ambassador’s Residence in Jakarta. Opening remarks were delivered by Ambassador Ms. Ina Lepel and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Arief Havas Oegroseno. Attended by government representatives and business leaders, the reception offered a high-level platform for dialogue and networking between German and Indonesian stakeholders.
The second day of the program featured visits to companies leading innovation in environmental technologies and industrial components. The delegation began at PT Mukti Mandiri Lestari, a key player in Indonesia’s recycling sector. President Director Mr. Wawan Budiawan presented the company’s operations, with Mr. Grobien emphasizing the significance of bilateral cooperation in sustainable technologies. Mr. Christian Dinter, Managing Director of Rodiek & Co. GmbH (Nehlsen Group), contributed with a presentation on German recycling solutions. A facility tour followed, highlighting PT Mukti’s work in electronic waste management.
Later that day, the delegation visited PT EagleBurgmann Indonesia, a specialist in industrial sealing solutions. President Director Mr. Rajesh Kumar introduced the company’s Indonesian operations, which serve critical sectors such as energy and manufacturing. Delegates participated in an interactive Q&A session and toured the production floor, gaining insights into the company’s engineering processes, quality control systems, and multicultural management practices. The day concluded with participation in EKONID’s monthly networking Get-Together, where over 80 participants from various industries convened, allowing the delegation to further build connections with Jakarta’s business community.
The following day, the delegation traveled to Batam, a strategic industrial zone in Indonesia’s Riau Islands province. The program continued with a visit to PT Infineon Technologies Batam, a major production site for semiconductor packaging and testing. The group was welcomed by Managing Director Mr. Yong Chern Poh, who spoke on the role of Batam within Infineon’s global operations. A guided tour of the facility provided delegates with a deeper understanding of advanced semiconductor manufacturing and the company’s emphasis on innovation and quality standards.
In the evening, a networking dinner brought together representatives from the Batam Provincial Government, Batam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), Batam Shipyard and Offshore Association (BSOA), and local industrial leaders. The event fostered a productive exchange of ideas and explored potential partnerships in Batam’s expanding manufacturing sector.
The final day focused on the maritime industry, a cornerstone of Batam’s economic activity. The delegation visited PT Bahtera Bahari Shipyard (BBS), a leading shipbuilding company operating on a 52-hectare facility. President Director Mr. Selamat Budiman introduced the company’s activities under the theme “Shaping Indonesia’s Maritime Future,” providing insights into the shipyard’s engineering capabilities and technological infrastructure. Ms. Novi Hasni, Chairwoman of BSOA, offered additional context on the region’s maritime cluster and future development prospects. Delegates toured the shipyard, observing high-tech equipment such as CNC plasma cutters and marine fabrication systems, showcasing Batam’s capacity to support complex shipbuilding projects.
The visit concluded with a group lunch at a nearby restaurant, allowing time for informal discussion and reflection. Delegates then prepared for onward travel to Singapore, marking the end of a four-day program that offered valuable exposure to Indonesia’s industrial and regulatory environment.
The Bremen delegation’s visit to Indonesia underscored the significant potential for collaboration between the two regions. Through a structured series of presentations, site visits, and networking sessions, the delegation engaged directly with Indonesian stakeholders in key sectors including energy, waste management, semiconductors, and maritime manufacturing. The exchange emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation, cultural understanding, and long-term relationship-building — all essential to succeeding in Indonesia’s dynamic market.
EKONID and the IHK Bremen extend their sincere gratitude to the participating ministries, companies, and institutions whose support and engagement made this program a success. Follow-up initiatives are expected to build upon the connections established during the visit, paving the way for lasting economic partnerships between Bremen and Indonesia.