IIM Bangalore to Open Its First International Campus in Indonesia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that IIM Bangalore will establish its first overseas campus in Indonesia’s Singhasari Special Economic Zone.

JAKARTA — In a major expansion of India’s higher education footprint, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, that the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) will establish its first international campus in Indonesia. The announcement, made during the Prime Minister’s state visit to Jakarta alongside Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, marks a significant milestone in bilateral educational and technological cooperation.

The proposed campus will be located at the Singhasari Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Malang, East Java. This initiative is designed to serve not only Indonesian nationals but also learners from across the wider ASEAN region, positioning Indonesia as a burgeoning regional hub for high-quality management education.

A Two-Phase Strategic Rollout

The establishment of the campus will proceed in two distinct phases, as outlined by officials following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IIM Bangalore and PT Intelegensia Grahatama (PT IGT), the managing entity of the Singhasari SEZ.

• Phase One: The institute will launch high-quality Executive Education Programmes (EEPs) specifically tailored for senior executives, business leaders, and public sector professionals.

• Phase Two: Subject to the successful implementation of the first phase over the initial two years, the campus will introduce full-fledged degree-granting management programmes.

The curriculum is designed to address the demands of the emerging business landscape, with a focus on five critical pillars: Global Supply Chains, Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, Climate and Sustainability, and Healthcare Management.

Advancing the Vision of NEP 2020

This internationalization effort aligns with the objectives of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which actively encourages premier Indian institutions to establish an overseas presence to increase global access to world-class education. By extending its academic model abroad, IIM Bangalore aims to foster deeper research collaborations, faculty development, and industry linkages throughout the Indo-Pacific.

"The establishment of the campus will greatly benefit the youth across the entire ASEAN region," Prime Minister Modi stated during the joint press interaction. The initiative is expected to strengthen human capital development and deepen the "golden chapter" of the strategic partnership between India and Indonesia.

Why It Matters

For India, the Indonesia campus is a cornerstone of its "education diplomacy," demonstrating the country's emergence as a global provider of premium, accessible management education. For students in the ASEAN region, the presence of an IIMB campus provides an opportunity to access India’s rigorous management pedagogy and innovation ecosystem without the need to travel abroad, effectively bridging the gap between local talent and global leadership requirements.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Location: Singhasari Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Malang, Indonesia.

• Launch Plan: Two-phase rollout starting with executive education, followed by degree programmes.

• Core Focus: AI, Digital Transformation, Global Supply Chains, Sustainability, and Healthcare Management.

• Strategic Vision: Aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

FAQ

Who is the campus primarily for?

The campus is intended to serve Indonesian nationals and professionals, while also attracting students from neighboring countries within the ASEAN region.

When will degree programmes start?

Degree-granting management programmes are planned for the second phase, contingent upon the successful implementation of executive programmes over the first two years.

How will this benefit students?

Participants will gain access to IIMB’s high-quality management curriculum, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) via the SWAYAM platform, and potential immersion visits to the IIMB campus in Bengaluru to engage with India’s startup and innovation ecosystem.

Source: PIB, IIM Bangalore, Financial Express