Regulator Says Business Certainty Remains Strong Because Rules Are Uncertain For Everyone Equally
Indonesia declares regulatory uncertainty a level playing field after confirming all investors are equally lost.
JAKARTA — Regulators moved this week to reassure investors that business certainty remains strong, explaining that while companies may not always know which rules apply, when they apply, or whether yesterday’s interpretation still counts today, at least everyone is confused equally.
“In many countries, certainty means knowing what will happen,” said a spokesperson. “In Indonesia, certainty means knowing that nobody knows what will happen. This creates fairness, because all investors begin from the same place.”
The statement was welcomed by regional offices, licensing desks, coordinating bodies, advisory panels, and one committee reportedly formed to determine which committee was responsible.
Under the system, multinationals, local conglomerates, startups, SMEs, and confused foreign founders are all granted equal access to ambiguity. No investor receives the unfair advantage of excessive clarity. No entrepreneur is disadvantaged by knowing too much.
“This is what we mean by equal opportunity,” said the spokesperson. “A small business in Surabaya and a multinational in Singapore can read the same regulation and come away equally unsure. That is fairness.”
Business groups were encouraged to stop using the term “regulatory uncertainty” and instead adopt the regulator’s preferred phrase, “flexible certainty.”
“Flexible certainty means the rules are certain, except when they are flexible,” the spokesperson explained. “And they are flexible, except when they are certain. This balance allows Indonesia to remain dynamic.”
Several investors said they initially found Indonesia’s business environment difficult to navigate, but became more confident after realizing their competitors were also lost.
“At first, we were worried,” said one foreign executive. “We kept asking basic questions like, ‘Is this allowed?’ and ‘Which license do we need?’ and ‘Why did the answer change after lunch?’ But then we learned everyone else was asking the same thing. That gave us confidence.”
A Jakarta-based consultant said the system had created strong growth in legal advisory, licensing support, and the fast-growing sector known as “asking around.”
“Anyone can build a business in a clear market,” she said. “Indonesia tests deeper qualities like patience, and relationships.”
One local entrepreneur said the announcement brought relief.
“I used to think I was confused because I didn’t understand the system,” he said. “Now I understand that confusion is the system. That is very clarifying.”
In response to ongoing concerns, the spokesperson announced a policy harmonization initiative, and a public consultation platform where businesses can submit questions and receive confirmation that their questions have been received.
“This is a major step forward,” said the regulator. “Previously, investors did not know where to send their confusion. Now they will have a formal portal.”
At the close of the forum, regulators unveiled Indonesia’s new investor confidence slogan:
“Indonesia: Certainty For All, Eventually.”
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