Jakarta vs Bali: Which City Reigns in F & B Business?


Jakarta is often considered the business center of Indonesia, but it turns out that Bali is a more lucrative place for the culinary industry.

The island, which is famous for its beaches, actually offers great opportunities for food and beverage entrepreneurs. Is this related to taste, atmosphere, or business strategy? Let’s take a look at the data and facts underlying this phenomenon.

Based on data from Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency, in 2023 the number of food and beverage supply businesses in Bali reach 245,000 units with a total revenue of USD 438 million.

According to CNBC Indonesia, this figure is more lucrative than Jakarta, which has 310,000 business units, but with a total revenue of USD 368 million. This means that each business in Bali earns an average of USD 1,786 per month, almost double that of Jakarta which is only USD 988.

Tourism and Technology Drive Balinese Culinary Profits

One of the main factors that supports Bali’s dominance is the tourism sector. With more than 6 million foreign tourists every year, the demand for high-quality food is constantly increasing.

Bali is now growing with a variety of culinary attractions, such as food courts, food courts, and angkringan. Fine dining restaurants, artisan cafes, and local stalls collaborate to create an unparalleled culinary experience. It’s no wonder that 45% of the total food business in Bali is dominated by the restaurant category, compared to 30% in Jakarta.

In addition, another factor that is no less important is the use of technology. As many as 40% of culinary businesses in Bali use the internet for marketing, online sales, and digital payments.

This figure is higher than the national average of only 33.13%. With this digital strategy, entrepreneurs in Bali can reach a wider market and improve their operational efficiency.

Bali also excels in terms of cost efficiency. The average food business expenditure in Bali is USD 967 per month, lower than Jakarta which reaches USD 1,161. With a larger profit margin, Bali is an attractive destination for business actors and culinary investors.

Bali’s success shows that strategic location, digital innovation, and cost efficiency can be the determining factors for success. Business actors in other cities can take inspiration from the strategies implemented in Bali.

Simple Guide for Starting a Culinary Business

Some tips that can help to start a culinary business that is in demand by tourists in Bali.

1 In-Depth Market Research: Conduct thorough research to find out the latest trends, consumer preferences and competitors in your area.

2. Strategic Location and Unique Concept: Location is one of the key factors in the success of a culinary business. Choose a strategic location, in addition, choose a culinary concept that is unique and differentiated from others.

3. Food and Service Quality: Ensure that the raw materials used are fresh and of high quality to increase customer satisfaction. In addition, train staff to provide friendly and professional service.

4. Strong Branding: Create a strong and alluring brand with attractive logo designs, packaging, and visual identity.

5. Creative Marketing: Leverage creative marketing to promote your business. This can include social media, advertising campaigns, promotional events, or collaborations with culinary influencers.

6. Good Financial Management: Manage business finances well. Create a realistic budget, monitor your operating costs, and make sure your income is enough to cover all expenses and still make a profit.


Sources: CNBC Indonesia, Kompas.com
Image: via iStock

Latest Post

Andrzej Barski

Director of Seven Stones Indonesia

Andrzej is Co-owner/ Founder and Director of Seven Stones Indonesia. He was born in the UK to Polish parents and has been living in Indonesia for more than 33-years. He is a skilled writer, trainer and marketer with a deep understanding of Indonesia and its many cultures after spending many years travelling across the archipelago from North Sumatra to Irian Jaya.

His experience covers Marketing, Branding, Advertising, Publishing, Real Estate and Training for 5-Star Hotels and Resorts in Bali and Jakarta, which has given him a passion for the customer experience. He’s a published author and a regular contributor to local and regional publications. His interests include conservation, eco-conscious initiatives, spirituality and motorcycles. Andrzej speaks English and Indonesian.

Terje H. Nilsen

Director of Seven Stones Indonesia

Terje is from Norway and has been living in Indonesia for over 20-years. He first came to Indonesia as a child and after earning his degree in Business Administration from the University of Agder in Norway, he moved to Indonesia in 1993, where he has worked in leading positions in education and the fitness/ wellness industries all over Indonesia including Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Medan and Bali.

He was Co-owner and CEO of the Paradise Property Group for 10-years and led the company to great success. He is now Co-owner/ Founder and Director of Seven Stones Indonesia offering market entry services for foreign investors, legal advice, sourcing of investments and in particular real estate investments. He has a soft spot for eco-friendly and socially sustainable projects and investments, while his personal business strengths are in property law, tourism trends, macroeconomics, Indonesian government and regulations. His personal interests are in sport, adventure, history and spiritual experiences.

Terje’s leadership, drive and knowledge are recognised across many industries and his unrivalled network of high level contacts in government and business spans the globe. He believes you do good and do well but always in that order. Terje speaks English, Indonesian and Norwegian.

Contact Our Consultants

[wpforms id=”43785″]

Ridwan Jasin Zachrie

CFO of Seven Stones Indonesia, Jakarta

Ridwan is one of Indonesia’s top executives with a long and illustrious career in the financial world. He holds several professional certifications including being a Certified Business Valuer (CBV) issued by the Australian Academy of Finance and Management; Broker-Dealer Representative (WPPE); and The Directorship Certification for Directors and Commissioners, issued by the Indonesian Institute of Commissioners and Directors.

His experience includes being the Managing Director at one of the top investment banking groups in the region, the Recapital Group, the CFO at State-owned enterprises in fishery industry and the CEO at Tanri Abeng & Son Holding. He’s also been an Independent Commissioner in several Financial Service companies and on the Audit and Risk Committee at Bank BTPN Tbk, Berau Coal Energy Tbk, Aetra Air Jakarta as well as working for Citibank, Bank Mandiri and HSBC. His last position was as CFO at PT Citra Putra Mandiri – OSO Group.

Ridwan has won a number of prestigious awards including the Best CFO Awards 2019 (Institute of Certified Management Accountant Australia-Indonesia); Asia Pacific Young Business Leader awarded by Asia 21 Network New York USA (Tokyo 2008); UK Alumni Business Awards 2008 awarded by the British Council; and The Most Inspiring Human Resources Practitioners’ version of Human Capital Magazine 2010.

He’s a member of the Board of Trustees of the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Law, Trisakti University, Co-Founder of the Paramadina Public Policy Institute and actively writes books, publications and articles in the mass media. He co-authored “Korupsi Mengorupsi Indonesia” in 2009, which helps those with an interest in understanding governance in Indonesia and the critical issue of corruption. Ridwan speaks Indonesian and English.

Per Fredrik Ecker

Managing Director of Seven Stones Indonesia, Jakarta

Per is the Managing Director of the Seven Stones Indonesia (SSI) Jakarta office and has more than 25-years’ experience in Indonesia, China, and Western Europe. He previously worked in senior management positions with Q-Free ASA, Siemens AG, and other companies in the telecom sector. Over the last six years, he has been the Chairman of the Indonesia-Norway Business Council (INBC) and recently become elected to be on the board of EuroCham Indonesia.

His most recent experience is within Intelligent Transport Solutions (ITS), Telecom, and other sectors within the Indonesian market. He is today through his position in SSI and by representing Norway Connect, promoting Nordic and European companies that would like to explore business opportunities in the Indonesian market. He’s also playing an active role to help create the Nordic House concept in Jakarta that will provide an excellent platform for Nordic companies entering Indonesia, where they’ll find a community that can offer support with trusted information and affordable services to enter this market.