From February 24 to 27, 2025, AHK Indonesia/EKONID, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and Bondacon International, led a German business delegation to Indonesia, focusing on packaging machinery for the food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. The event brought together German and Indonesian companies to discuss business opportunities, sustainability, and technological advancements in packaging and processing.
The delegation was welcomed by EKONID Executive Director Mr. Jan Rönnfeld, who opened the event, followed by a speech from Ms. Sofie Serrer representing the Market Entry Program Office. Participants were introduced to leading German companies, including Andritz Separation GmbH, Arburg GmbH & Co.KG, Somic Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH & Co.KG, Dold Consulting (Lechita), Bizerba SE & Co.KG, and Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co.KG.
Mrs. Anja Nitschke-Hoffmann from the German Embassy delivered a briefing on the historical and ongoing economic relations between Germany and Indonesia. Mr. Rönnfeld presented an overview of Indonesia’s new government and its economic outlook, highlighting the country’s potential in food processing and packaging. Mr. Oliver Döhne, Director at German Trade & Invest (GTAI) Indonesien, shared his impressions of Indonesia’s dynamic market, while Mr. Maximillian Clüsserath from Windmöller & Hölscher Indonesia and Mr. Peter Eddy from GEA Westfalia Separator Indonesia offered insights into Indonesia’s packaging sector, discussing both opportunities and challenges.
Discussions on sustainability featured Mrs. Ariana Susanti from the Indonesia Packaging Federation (IPF), who addressed sustainable packaging solutions, and Mrs. Liana Bratasida from the Indonesian Pulp & Paper Industries Association (APKI), who explored how Indonesia’s packaging industry is adapting to global sustainability trends. The pharmaceutical industry was also a key topic, with Mr. Tirto Kusnadi from the Indonesian pharmaceutical association, GP Farmasi, outlining the opportunities and challenges in Indonesia’s pharmaceutical market.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited PT Mayora Indah Tbk, one of Indonesia’s leading food and beverage companies. Mr. Johan Muliawan provided an overview of the company’s packaging innovations and its adaptation to evolving consumer demands. The first day concluded with a networking dinner, allowing German and Indonesian business representatives to exchange ideas.
On Tuesday, February 25, the focus shifted to Indonesia’s food and beverage industry. Mr. Rönnfeld and Ms. Serrer welcomed participants before Ms. Dyan Garneta from the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) presented on Indonesia’s food and beverage export potential. Mr. Irwan S. Widjaja from GAPMMI, the Indonesian Food and Beverage Manufacturers Association, discussed market trends and opportunities in the sector.
Presentations from German industry representatives included Mr. Dirk Spang from Andritz Separation GmbH, who introduced food processing technologies, and Mr. Haryadi Mulyono from Arburg GmbH & Co.KG, who discussed efficient plastics processing. Mr. Lukasz Myszkowski from Somic Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH & Co.KG presented advancements in packaging technology, while Mr. Jochen Dold from Dold Consulting (Lechita) introduced innovative packaging solutions. Mr. Joerg Sturhan from Bizerba SE & Co.KG showcased smart and sustainable innovations, and Mr. Bruce Wong from Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co.KG discussed cutting-edge food processing and packaging solutions.
Following these sessions, the delegation engaged in B2B meetings with Indonesian companies to explore potential collaborations. Later that day, participants departed for Surabaya for the next phase of the delegation trip.
On Wednesday, February 26, the event continued in Surabaya with opening remarks from Mr. Mike Neuber of Wisma Jerman. Mrs. Ninik Margirini from the Industry and Trade Office of East Java Province (Disperindag) provided an overview of the industrial landscape in East Java. Mr. Neuber presented on German technologies and their applications in the Indonesian market. The day featured additional presentations from the German delegation, followed by B2B meetings and a networking dinner with selected Indonesian companies.
On Thursday, February 27, the final day of the event, the delegation visited major Indonesian companies, beginning with PT Indofood Sukses Makmur. Mr. Adi Witono, General Manager of the Production Division, delivered a presentation on Indofood’s approach to food processing and packaging. Delegates toured the facility, gaining direct insights into the company’s innovations.
The group also visited PT Voda Indonesia and PT Santos Jaya Abadi (Kapal Api), two key players in Indonesia’s food and beverage industry. Presentations from these companies, followed by Q&A sessions, provided a deeper understanding of their operations and potential areas for collaboration. The delegation concluded with a debriefing session, wrapping up four days of intensive business discussions and company visits.
The Business Initiation Indonesia event served as a key platform for strengthening ties between German and Indonesian companies in the packaging and processing machinery sector. The discussions highlighted Indonesia’s growing commitment to sustainability, the adaptability of local industries to global trends, and the potential for bilateral partnerships that drive innovation and economic growth.
EKONID/AHK Indonesien extends its sincere gratitude to the participating ministries and companies whose contributions made this delegation trip a success.