Higher Income, the Main Reason Why Indonesians Want to Start a Business

The JakPat survey shows that 32% of respondents in Indonesia already own a business, while 59% are interested in running one.

The main reason for running a business is the desire to develop unlimited income potential, revealed by 46% of respondents.

In addition, there are reasons such as work flexibility, financial security, and continuing a family legacy.

Here are the reasons why Indonesian respondents start businesses, according to the JakPat survey:

1. Unlimited income potential: 46%
2. Work from anywhere: 37%
3. Long-term financial security: 33%
4. Create jobs: 31%
5. Be your own boss: 31%
6. Set your own schedule: 30%
7. Take advantage of a hobby: 29%
8. Demonstrate your skills: 28%
9. Family legacy: 26%
10. Make a positive impact: 20%

If broken down by sector, 45% of respondents are interested in opening a food and beverage business.

The next most popular business sectors are basic necessities or wholesale (30%); fashion and textiles (21%); and agriculture, livestock, and fisheries (19%).

This JakPat survey involved 1,258 respondents who are entrepreneurs or interested in starting a business. In total, the respondents consisted of 51% men and 49% women.

The respondents were located in Jabodetabek (45%), non-Jabodetabek Java Island (33%), and outside Java Island (22%). Respondents came from the millennial generation (30-45 years old) at 47%, Generation Z (15-29 years old) at 43%, and Generation X (46-50 years old) at 10%.

The survey was conducted online through the Jakpat app on February 5-6, 2026, with a margin of error below 5%.