The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will convene the ASEAN Business Forum 2026 in Indonesia from September 22 to 24 at the Harmoni One Hotel in Batam, Kepulauan Riau.

The three-day forum will focus on women’s entrepreneurship, the halal economy, and business matching, bringing together Indonesian government institutions, businesses, and international delegates.

The program will open on September 22 with an International Gala Dinner titled “Nusantara Heritage Night.” The event will feature cultural performances, welcome remarks by the Governor of Kepulauan Riau, recognition of women entrepreneurs, and opportunities for international networking.

On September 23, the Women Business Forum and Halal World Forum will address women’s participation in global business, Indonesia’s opportunities in the halal economy, Batam’s potential as a halal business hub and international halal gateway, and halal certification services. Discussions will also explore pathways for women-led businesses to expand from local to international markets.

The program will also feature an International Business Matching session, providing participants with opportunities to explore potential commercial partnerships through negotiations, product presentations and sampling, and discussions on prospective memoranda of understanding and letters of intent.

The final day, September 24, will focus on National Business Matching under the theme “From Product to Partnership.” Buyers and sellers will introduce their businesses, showcase their products, and discuss potential transactions and business commitments.

The guest list includes Indonesia’s Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM), the Deputy for Entrepreneurship, the Governor and Deputy Governor of Kepulauan Riau, the Mayor of Batam, representatives of BP Batam, regional government officials, universities, financial institutions, business incubators, retailers, halal institutions, and international businesspeople.

The forum is designed to strengthen engagement between Indonesian enterprises and international business participants through discussions, networking, and structured business-matching sessions. By placing women’s entrepreneurship, the halal economy, and market access at the heart of its agenda, the event seeks to create new opportunities for business partnerships and international expansion.