Franchise Expo Opens Opportunities for Indonesia-Malaysia Cooperation

Fri, 15 May 2026, 13:21 WIB | By indrastuti | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Trade

The Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives Development (MECD) together with Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (Pernas), with the cooperation of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), has successfully completed its participation in the Franchise and License Expo Indonesia (FLEI 2026) which took place from 7-10 May 2026 with positive business results and strengthening regional trade and franchise cooperation.

Throughout the four-day exhibition, more than 300 business matching sessions were facilitated by MATRADE Indonesia, bringing together various Malaysian franchise brands with business partners in Indonesia. This initiative has generated potential transactions worth approximately USD 22.3 million (RM 89.4 million), as well as opening up opportunities for further discussions between participating companies and strategic investors for long-term cooperation including the formation of joint ventures.

According to Norli Karim, Head of Division, Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives Development (MECD), this year’s participation involved 10 selected Malaysian companies from various sectors, namely Artivo, Findbulous, ILUVQURAN, Mee Hiris China Muslim, Midyson, Bonda, Dsara Fried Chicken, 1901, Dapur Mama Original Nasi Kukus, and Ar-Rahn.

One of the important achievements of this year’s participation is ILUVQURAN which is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with one of the investors in the near future, becoming one of the concrete results of FLEI 2026.

Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (Pernas) also expressed its commitment to participate again in the next edition of FLEI, reflecting its continued confidence in the potential of the Indonesian market and the strategic role of this exhibition as a platform for regional franchise expansion.

Meanwhile, Suresh Kumar, Minister-Counselor of the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia and Trade Commissioner of MATRADE Indonesia, emphasized that Indonesia continues to offer significant growth potential for Malaysian franchise brands, supported by a large consumer base, the growth of the middle class, and increasing interest in innovative food and beverage, education, and lifestyle concepts.

“Indonesia remains one of the most potential markets for Malaysian franchise expansion in ASEAN. The positive response received during FLEI 2026 reflects the high demand for quality, affordable, and scalable Malaysian business concepts. We see wider opportunities for Malaysian brands to build long-term partnerships and expand their presence in major cities in Indonesia,” he said.

With increasing demand for innovative and affordable business models, the franchise industry in Indonesia is expected to continue to grow and become a strategic gateway for regional business growth in the ASEAN region. (H-2)

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