By: Airin Sakinah Maulidiyah)
The Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency, known as Danantara, has drawn significant attention since its official establishment on February 24, 2025. Its presence brings fresh momentum to the management of the nation’s strategic investments, as evidenced by numerous extraordinary achievements in a short time. One of its main accomplishments is securing US$10 billion (approximately Rp163.12 trillion) in financing commitments from 12 international financial institutions without asset collateral, a strong indicator of the world’s growing confidence in Indonesia.
During a working meeting with Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), member Kawendra Lukistian praised the proactive steps taken by Danantara alongside the Ministry of SOEs. He described this achievement as a positive signal of Indonesia’s strengthening economic position on the global stage. In addition to support from foreign banking sectors, Danantara also recorded an additional US$7 billion in funding from various state-owned investment institutions from other countries. Equally important, this success has been reinforced by President Prabowo Subianto’s role in building international economic diplomacy networks.
Danantara is not only focused on financing but also actively engages in strategic partnerships with global companies. One standout collaboration is with French mining company Eramet, aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s mineral downstreaming sector. Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani stated that France is currently one of the largest European Union investors in Indonesia. With the implementation of the IEU-CEPA comprehensive trade agreement, opportunities for cooperation between the two nations have significantly expanded. This partnership represents a concrete step toward attracting world-class investment in the nickel sector.
Danantara also plays an active role in the restructuring efforts of state-owned enterprises. One example is the restructuring of PT Garuda Indonesia, which requires up to Rp20 trillion in funding, including support for its subsidiary Citilink in acquiring new fleets. This initiative is part of the government’s effort to rescue strategic enterprises and maintain the continuity of national air transport services.
In the energy sector, Danantara is involved in the financial restructuring of PT PLN (Persero). This support is focused on funding the development of new and renewable energy (NRE), aligning with Indonesia’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. This effort aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen the transition to green energy.
Moreover, Danantara contributes to stabilizing the national construction sector by providing support to SOEs such as PT Waskita Karya and PT Wijaya Karya. These companies are currently under financial pressure due to large-scale infrastructure projects. Through financial restructuring and governance reforms, Danantara ensures that strategic national projects continue without burdening the state budget.
Danantara’s role now exceeds that of a mere financial institution. It acts as a catalyst for national economic growth, ensuring that vital companies operate efficiently and continue contributing to public services. Its data-driven approach, transparency, and adherence to good governance principles are the foundation of Danantara’s success in supporting the transformation of SOEs into healthier, more competitive entities that have a direct impact on the people. This role becomes increasingly strategic amid global pressures requiring rapid adaptation, innovation, and high efficiency.
Danantara’s commitment to building the nation’s future is also reflected in its human resource development initiatives. Danantara’s Chief Investment Officer, Pandu Sjahrir, stated that the agency is in the process of establishing a new university in Indonesia in collaboration with nine leading global universities. This move is a long-term investment focused on improving the quality of Indonesia’s human capital, making education the foundation for economic and social development.
Danantara also announced that the corporate university, named Danantara Indonesia Academy, is expected to be a platform for Indonesia’s brightest talents to receive world-class education without needing to go abroad. The institution is designed to be a premier learning hub capable of producing highly competitive graduates on par with those from top international universities. Within the next decade, this academy is targeted to stand shoulder to shoulder with — or even become a strategic partner of — leading global campuses.
The presence of Danantara Indonesia Academy will not only strengthen the national education ecosystem but also form part of a long-term strategy to produce superior human resources capable of meeting the challenges of the modern economy. The programs offered are designed with a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach and are based on the needs of future industries.
Danantara’s journey thus far proves that with a strong vision and good governance, Indonesia can establish a reliable strategic institution. As an asset manager and transformation partner for SOEs, Danantara has demonstrated its capacity to address both national and global economic challenges. Through its success in restructuring across vital sectors and its commitment to human capital development, Danantara has become a real partner in Indonesia’s development. Moving forward, the institution’s role will be crucial in enhancing national economic competitiveness, realizing sustainable development, and ensuring equitable welfare for the people.
*) The author is an economic affairs observer.