This research takes stock of and maps the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Indonesia’s agricultural sector. The research methodology is qualitative in nature, using case studies in 3 regions of Indonesia to illustrate FDI practices. The work also includes an analysis of secondary quantitative data, for instance on
agricultural production trends and investments, and on FDI trends in general. Primary data was obtained
using qualitative techniques such as field observations and interviews in Jakarta and in the case study areas to
record the opinions of stakeholders (governments, foreign business representatives) and people living or working
near the plantations regarding foreign investments practices.
The findings suggest that most FDI in the agricultural sector is attracted to the large scale plantation sub-sector, high value and export-oriented crops, due to the high profits they incur. The palm oil sector alone contributes more than 85% of the FDI in agriculture since 2008.