Understanding Wholesale Trade
Wholesale trade (Perdagangan Besar) in Indonesia encompasses businesses that sell goods in large quantities to retailers, industrial users, or other wholesalers rather than to end consumers.
All wholesale activities are classified under KBLI Division 46, which excludes motor vehicle and motorcycle trade (classified separately under Division 45).
Key Characteristics
- Sells to businesses, not end consumers
- Large quantity transactions
- Can include import/export activities
- May operate warehouses and distribution centers
Wholesale Categories
KBLI Division 46 is organized into these main groups:
Wholesale on a Fee or Contract Basis
Commission agents and brokers arranging trade in agricultural products, food, textiles, machinery, and other goods
Wholesale of Agricultural Raw Materials and Live Animals
Bulk trade in grains, seeds, animal feeds, flowers, plants, tobacco, and live animals
Wholesale of Food, Beverages and Tobacco
Distribution of processed food, drinks, confectionery, dairy, seafood, meat, and tobacco products
Wholesale of Household Goods
Trade in textiles, clothing, footwear, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, and electronics
Wholesale of Machinery, Equipment and Supplies
Distribution of computers, telecommunications equipment, agricultural machinery, and industrial equipment
Other Specialized Wholesale
Trade in fuels, metals, chemicals, construction materials, and waste/scrap materials
Non-Specialized Wholesale Trade
Wholesale of a variety of goods without particular specialization
Most Searched Wholesale Codes
These are the most commonly searched wholesale trade KBLI codes:
Foreign Ownership in Wholesale
Most wholesale trade activities in Indonesia allow 100% foreign ownership under the current Positive Investment List. However, there are important considerations:
Requirements for PT PMA
- • Paid-up capital: IDR 2.5 billion (~USD 160K) at incorporation
- • Total investment commitment: IDR 10 billion+ per KBLI (realised over time via LKPM, not required upfront)
- • Source: BKPM Reg. 5/2025 (effective Oct 2025)
- • Must operate as PT (limited company); NIB and sector permits required
Potential Restrictions
- • Some products may require special licenses
- • Regulated goods (pharma, food) need additional permits
- • Location requirements for certain activities
- • Partnership requirements for specific sectors
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
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