IFBC 2026 Expected to Boost Job Creation

Bandung – The business opportunity exhibition Info Franchise and Business Concept (IFBC) 2026, with Bandung as one of the host locations, is expected to inspire new job creation. This was stated by Trade Deputy Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri during the opening of the exhibition themed ‘Grow Beyond Boundaries’ in Bandung, attended by entrepreneurs with branches across hundreds of locations. ‘Here, there are restaurants with around 500 branches. This is expected to boost motivation among the youth and across generations interested in business, creating jobs given the significant multiplier effect,’ Dyah said at the Sudirman area exhibition site in Bandung on Friday. During the event, Dyah noted Indonesia’s entrepreneurship ratio is currently 3.29% of the total workforce. However, she said this needs to rise to 10-12% for Indonesia to become a developed nation. Business openings have significant potential due to Indonesia’s large market of over 280 million people, while overseas markets are also eager for Indonesian products to enter international markets, she added. ‘The Ministry of Trade is tasked with bridging this gap. For entrepreneurs seeking to expand market access, we can mediate by connecting Indonesian businesses with foreign buyers through overseas representatives such as Trade Attachés and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center, which operate in 33 countries. This will help businesses grow and domestic products become internationally competitive,’ she said. Similar hopes were expressed by West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan, who said IFBC is crucial as it provides a space for ideas, capital, networking, and business opportunities between entrepreneurs including MSMEs and the public aiming to grow through entrepreneurship within a mutually reinforcing ecosystem. The West Java Provincial Government, he added, views entrepreneurship, franchising, partnerships, and MSMEs as key drivers of regional economic growth. ‘This ecosystem is not just about business but also job creation, expanding economic access, and growing the productive middle class. I hope this exhibition serves not only as a promotional platform but also as a space for education, networking, healthy partnerships, and broader economic access,’ he said. Fredy Ferdianto, Head of Public Relations for Neo Expo Promosindo (the exhibition organiser), said the IFBC 2026 Bandung event from 29-31 May 2026 at the Sudirman Grand Ballroom is a key moment to strengthen entrepreneurial spirit and expand public access to relevant, adaptive, and sustainable business opportunities. ‘Beyond franchise concepts, the exhibition offers diverse modern business partnership opportunities accessible to various groups, from investors and young professionals to housewives, retirees, and youths looking to start businesses,’ Fredy said. Fredy added that for this Bandung IFBC exhibition, the organisers aim for new business transactions totalling up to Rp1 trillion through 150 brands across retail, modern laundries, trendy beverages, Indonesian cuisine, modern food, viral snacks, health and wellness, and education sectors, which offer partnerships and business expansion opportunities. One exhibition participant, Alfamart, revealed they are offering a 50% franchise fee discount and even free for the Jabotabek region to those wanting to join the company as it expands internationally. ‘We currently have 2,500 outlets in Bangladesh and the Philippines. We are also preparing to expand access to the next countries,’ said Tommy Sugianto, Franchise Marketing General Manager of PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya (Alfamart), at the venue.