Enviro News Asia, New York — Indonesia is preparing to establish the Indonesia Center in Manhattan, a commercial and cultural hub designed to promote Indonesian products, culture and business opportunities in the United States.
The initiative was discussed during a meeting on Oct. 12, 2026, between Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States, Indroyono Soesilo, and former Indonesian tourism minister Sandiaga Uno, who proposed the project.
The Indonesia Center is intended to provide a permanent platform for presenting Indonesia to the American market. Its organizers envision bringing together promotional activities that have traditionally operated through separate channels, creating a more integrated and sustainable way to showcase the country’s cultural and commercial potential.
Planned for Manhattan, New York City’s major business district, the center is expected to combine traditional Indonesian cuisine, product displays, cultural performances and business services. Visitors would be able to experience Indonesian food and arts while exploring products and potential commercial partnerships.
For Indonesian companies seeking to enter the US market, the center is envisioned as an initial point of access. Exhibition areas, office facilities, virtual offices and consulting services could help businesses establish a presence, introduce their brands, identify partners and reach prospective customers.
The proposed business model would draw revenue from space rentals, food and product sales, brand partnerships, consulting services and advertising. This approach is intended to support ongoing commercial activities rather than relying solely on occasional promotional events.
Sandiaga said the center’s main value would lie in creating synergies among Indonesian diaspora communities, artists, Indonesia enthusiasts, companies and supporting institutions. Cultural activities could attract visitors, while the resulting interactions could generate commercial transactions and partnerships.
The initiative could also involve the Indonesian Investment Promotion Centre (IIPC) and other partners to connect investment opportunities in Indonesia with American investors. Danantara, state-owned enterprises and financial institutions have been envisaged as potential participants in strengthening institutional networks, subject to their respective roles and agreements.
Indroyono welcomed the proposal, saying the center could help strengthen Indonesia’s image in the United States by allowing visitors to experience the country directly rather than through promotional messages alone. The concept is intended to introduce Indonesian creativity, product quality and business capabilities in one place.
New York has been identified as the first location because of its strategic position as a global commercial center. If the initiative proves successful, the model could be expanded to other countries.
Its long-term prospects will depend on the quality of its product selection, professional management and the development of substantive partnerships. The broader goal is to create a lasting gateway for closer economic and cultural ties between Indonesia and the United States. (*)
