IIM Bangalore will launch its first international campus in Indonesia’s Singhasari Special Economic Zone to offer executive education. This initiative, announced on July 7, 2026, aims to serve students across the ASEAN region through programs in AI, digital transformation, and leadership. The project will begin with executive courses before exploring degree-granting options.
The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is set to expand its academic presence beyond India by establishing a campus in Indonesia. This move was officially announced on July 7, 2026, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta. The campus will be located in the Singhasari Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Malang, marking a significant step in educational cooperation between the two nations.
Partnership and Implementation
The initiative will be carried out through a formal agreement between IIM Bangalore and PT Intelegensia Grahatama, the company that manages the Singhasari SEZ. By positioning the campus within a special economic zone, the institute aims to provide practical management training that is closely aligned with the needs of local and international businesses. This strategy mirrors trends seen in global education where institutions leverage economic hubs to foster industry-relevant research and training.
Phased Academic Rollout
The educational offerings in Indonesia are planned in two distinct phases. During the first phase, IIMB will focus on delivering executive education programs specifically designed for senior business leaders, corporate executives, and public sector professionals. This approach allows the institute to establish its brand and curriculum standards in the new market with lower infrastructure risk. A second phase, which will include full degree-granting management programs, is planned to follow, provided the initial programs demonstrate successful execution over the first two years.
Strategic Focus Areas
The curriculum at the new campus will address contemporary business challenges, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, global supply chains, healthcare management, and climate sustainability. These subjects are designed to appeal to professionals across the ASEAN region. Additionally, the partnership includes provisions for academic visits to IIM Bangalore’s main campus in Bengaluru, allowing students to gain direct exposure to the Indian innovation ecosystem.
Broader Economic Context
This educational expansion coincides with wider bilateral cooperation between India and Indonesia covering sectors such as telecommunications, digital public infrastructure, and the startup ecosystem. For IIM Bangalore, the success of this international venture will depend on its ability to maintain its academic standards outside of its primary Bengaluru facility while managing the operational complexities of a cross-border campus. The next key monitorables for stakeholders include the specific timeline for the launch of the first executive programs, the finalization of the faculty recruitment model for the Indonesian location, and the eventual evaluation metrics for the proposed transition to degree-granting courses after the two-year pilot phase.