Indonesia is the world’s 16th largest economy. Currently, only a handful of Turkish companies operate in Indonesia despite the big potential. This potential is increased by the plans of moving Indonesia’s new capital to East Kalimantan, with construction aiming to start in 2021. In addition, the Southeast Asian country has 223 national projects underway as well as many developments in the transportation industry such as building 6,000 m of bridges, 5,500 km of roads, and 35,000 m of overpasses and underpasses.

Turkish companies have experience and success in construction projects in Astana, Doha and many other locations. It is likely that fruitful cooperation will progress to the benefit of both nations. Turkish Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said that contractors are most interested in projects involving energy facilities, transportation and waterworks infrastructure. “We would like to diversify our market; we would like to find new markets, and we are more focused on Indonesia,” he said.

"Turkey is ready to share its experience," Pekcan added, despite the fact that the process has come to a halt due to the coronavirus outbreak, adding that Turkey could also take on other infrastructure and superstructure projects. The Investment Coordinating Board data shows that Turkey’s total direct investment in Indonesia last year was USD 24.8 million. Speaking about bilateral investments between Turkey and Indonesia, she stressed the two countries should sign a reciprocal promotion and protection of investment agreement, which will be important for business people on both sides

The Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced last year a USD 33 billion megaproject to move the nation's capital from Jakarta to the province of East Kalimantan. The move is not only due to the country’s search for a new city to replace the congested capital but also because its current capital continues to sink more every year, accelerating the country’s race against rising sea levels. Construction and infrastructure efforts are set to begin for the new capital in 2021. The two members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) currently have the 3rd and 8th largest numbers of COVID-19 confirmed cases among all OIC nations.