By: Rahman Prawira)
Amid global economic challenges that have yet to fully recover from the pandemic, along with the growing threat of technological disruption, the Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to opening job opportunities and creating an inclusive economic ecosystem. One concrete step that deserves attention is through Danantara, a national strategic initiative aimed at fostering job creation by empowering the digital sector, creative industries, and local economies based on regional potential.
Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara) is a collaborative program directly initiated by President Prabowo Subianto to prepare Indonesia for the era of digital-based economic transformation. This program not only prepares the workforce to be technologically literate but also creates new opportunities for young people to become entrepreneurs and grow.
This initiative is highly timely, considering that Indonesia is entering its demographic bonus era, where the majority of the population is of productive age. Through Danantara, the government seeks to maximize this momentum by developing economic sectors that can absorb a large workforce. One way is by promoting the digitalization of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which have long been the backbone of the national economy.
According to data from the Ministry of Manpower, by mid-2025, the Danantara program had contributed to the creation of more than 2.3 million new jobs across various sectors, ranging from digital marketing, creative content, and financial technology to the development of community-based local tourism. This figure is expected to continue increasing in line with the government’s extensive training programs and business incubation support for the community.
The Danantara program represents one of the government’s answers to the demands of the times. The program’s approach— not only top-down but also participatory and localized— has been the key to its success. The government understands that jobs cannot be created solely through large projects. Grassroots-oriented approaches are necessary, and Danantara has proven effective in doing so. This initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s statement in his speech that the establishment of the Danantara Indonesia Investment Management Agency (Danantara) is a strategic step to accelerate downstream investment and job creation.
According to Minister of Manpower Yassierli, “The number one goal of all government programs is job creation.” This statement reaffirms the government’s commitment to making job creation the top priority through various strategic programs. It also aligns with the national development policy direction, which positions employment as the foundation of equitable economic growth.
One tangible success of the program can be seen in Wonosobo Regency, Central Java, where hundreds of previously unemployed youths are now actively involved in Danantara’s creative digital communities. They are trained to create digital content, manage online stores, and even build simple applications based on local needs. As a result, their incomes have increased, reliance on formal employment has decreased, and entrepreneurial spirit has flourished.
Meanwhile, Minister of Cooperatives Budi Arie Setiadi stated that Danantara symbolizes the government’s seriousness in building Indonesia’s economic future with global competitiveness. He emphasized that Indonesia can no longer rely solely on conventional sectors. “The world is changing, and we must prepare human resources that are adaptive and creative. Danantara is concrete proof of the President’s vision that digitalization must serve as the gateway to people’s prosperity.”
What is most noteworthy about Danantara is its commitment to inclusivity. The program does not only target urban areas but deliberately places villages as the starting point of transformation. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (PDTT), Danantara has introduced digital training for the management of village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), online marketing of local products, and digital financial literacy training. This way, villages are no longer left behind but become new centers of economic growth.
Beyond job creation, Danantara is also building an ecosystem that fosters innovation. The government provides mentoring, access to capital, and digital platforms to enable entrepreneurs and local creators to grow rapidly. These efforts are integrated with the Digital Talent Scholarship and Startup Studio Indonesia programs, all of which are directed toward accelerating digital economic inclusion.
With such a comprehensive approach, it is no exaggeration to call Danantara one of the government’s best strategic steps in addressing the challenges of unemployment and economic inequality. It not only solves short-term issues but also builds a solid long-term foundation for Indonesia’s future economic growth.
Of course, Danantara’s success must continue to be accompanied by evaluation and institutional strengthening. But so far, the program has delivered concrete results and brought new hope, especially for young generations. Public and private sector support is also key to ensuring that Danantara’s empowerment spirit becomes not just a project but a sustainable national movement.
The government has taken the right step. Now, it is time for all elements of the nation to unite, support, and oversee the success of this program— for the realization of a more prosperous, just, and competitive Indonesia.
*) The author is an economic observer