10 Brands That Once Left Indonesia But Have Returned: ACES - Yoshinoya
Indonesia remains an attractive market for various global brands. The large population and strong domestic consumption drive many foreign companies to compete in establishing their businesses within the country.
However, their journeys are not always smooth. Several brands have previously halted sales, closed all outlets, or lost their local partners. The causes vary, ranging from economic crises and weak sales to changes in distributors, the end of licences, or shifts in corporate strategy.
Some of them have eventually returned after being absent for several years. These comebacks are generally achieved by partnering with new local players, taking direct control of business operations, or introducing concepts better suited to the Indonesian market.
- ACE Hardware
ACE Hardware has operated in Indonesia for nearly three decades alongside the Kawan Lama Group. However, the licensing agreement between the two parties ended on 31 December 2024 and was not renewed.
Kawan Lama subsequently transformed its entire ACE Hardware store network into AZKO starting in early 2025. Meanwhile, the ACE Hardware brand is set to return to Indonesia in July 2026 through a partnership with PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP).
Crucially, the old Kawan Lama stores are not moving to MAP. ACE Hardware will return as a new network, while AZKO will continue as Kawan Lama’s own brand. Both will now compete in the home improvement market.
- Volvo Cars
Volvo previously marketed passenger cars in Indonesia through several distributors, including Indomobil and Garanside. However, sales continued to weaken until business activities practically ceased around 2017.
The Swedish car brand returned in 2023 through PT Leading Vision Otomotif. In this new era, Volvo is not only relying on its image as a premium brand with high safety standards.
The company is also introducing an electrification strategy by marketing electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. This strategy aims to target high-end consumers who are increasingly seeking more environmentally friendly vehicles.
- Chery
Chery first entered Indonesia in 2006 through a partnership with Indomobil. However, the Chinese automaker struggled to build sales and consumer trust at the time, eventually ceasing operations around 2013.
After an absence of nearly nine years, Chery returned in 2022 through PT Chery Sales Indonesia with direct support from its parent company.
This comeback is more serious. Chery has introduced a new range of SUVs, expanded its dealership network, strengthened after-sales services, and is preparing for local production. The brand has also begun entering Indonesia’s growing electric vehicle market.
- Ford
Ford Motor Indonesia ceased all business activities in 2016. This decision halted the sale of new cars and Ford dealership operations, although after-sales services were maintained through RMA Indonesia.
Six years later, Ford returned to selling vehicles in Indonesia by appointing RMA Indonesia as its official distributor.
Ford did not immediately target the mass market. Instead, the company chose products with strong character, such as the Ranger, Ranger Raptor, and Everest. This strategy allows Ford to focus on consumers of pickups and upper-middle-class SUVs.
- Subway
Subway was present in Indonesia during the 1990s. However, the American sandwich chain could not survive, and all its outlets ceased operations in October 2000.
After disappearing for approximately 21 years, Subway returned in October 2021. Operations are managed by PT Sari Sandwich Indonesia, a company under the MAP Boga Adiperkasa group.
Its first comeback outlet opened at Cilandak Town Square, Jakarta. Subway has since expanded to various shopping centres and major cities, offering a fast-food concept that allows for consumer customisation.
- Burger King
Burger King first entered Indonesia in 1986 through the Gelael Group. However, the Asian financial crisis and business pressures forced the restaurant chain to close its operations in 1998.
The fast-food brand returned in April 2007 through PT Sari Burger Indonesia, which is affiliated with MAP. Its first outlet in this new period opened at Senayan City, Jakarta.
Since then, Burger King has gradually expanded its network. The brand is once again competing with several major players, particularly McDonald’s, KFC, and various local fast-food chains.
- KKV
KKV entered Indonesia around 2020 with a large-scale lifestyle store concept, colourful designs, and a very diverse product range.
However, in 2024, the KKV name disappeared from several shopping centres. Many stores that previously used the brand subsequently changed to OH!SOME.
KKV eventually returned separately under the direct control of KK Group in April 2026. The comeback began with the operation of six stores. Currently, KKV and OH!SOME are two different networks competing within the Indonesian lifestyle retail segment.
- Yoshinoya
Yoshinoya was present in Indonesia during the 1990s, including opening a restaurant in Pondok Indah Mall. However, the franchise agreement ended, and the restaurant chain ceased operations in 1998.
After a hiatus of about 12 years, Yoshinoya returned in June 2010 through PT Multirasa Nusantara. Its first outlet in this new period opened at Grand Indonesia, Jakarta.
Yoshinoya has since grown by relying on its beef bowl menu, relatively affordable prices, and the expansion of outlets in shopping centres. The Japanese brand is now one of the major players in the rice bowl restaurant category.
- Cheetos and Lay’s
Cheetos and Lay’s ceased production and marketing in Indonesia in August 2021. This occurred after Indofood CBP acquired the entire PepsiCo stake in the company.