By: Juanda Syah)*
Efforts to strengthen the fiscal foundation and national economic independence continue to be a primary focus of the government. By optimizing its strategic role, the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (Danantara) is emerging as a new force in driving the Indonesian economy. Through professional, measured, and long-term investment management, Danantara not only strengthens the country’s fiscal position but also serves as a driving force for the national economic transformation toward independence and global competitiveness.
As an investment management institution established to optimize state assets and increase national economic value, Danantara has played a significant role in strengthening the digital ecosystem and promoting private sector efficiency. One example of its contribution is its involvement in the proposed merger between Grab and PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (GOTO). This large-scale corporate action is seen as part of a strategic effort to strengthen Indonesia’s digital economy, currently a key driver of national fiscal growth.
BPI Danantara’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Pandu Sjahrir, stated that Danantara acts as a facilitator, ensuring that every strategic investment step is carried out based on business-to-business (B2B) principles and good governance. This approach demonstrates Danantara’s professionalism in overseeing economic policy without directly intervening in corporate decisions, while still ensuring that the entire process supports national goals, namely strengthening the country’s economy and fiscal policy.
Furthermore, Pandu Sjahrir emphasized the importance of careful monitoring of business processes between two public companies like Grab and GOTO. With both companies’ status as public companies, transparency and regulatory compliance are paramount. Danantara, in this regard, ensures that every synergy step has a positive impact on economic stability, increases productivity, and ultimately expands its contribution to state revenue. This approach demonstrates how Danantara is not only an asset manager but also a driver of fiscal stability through strategic investments.
From the government’s perspective, support for this initiative came from Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, who stated that Danantara’s involvement reflects the country’s efforts to maintain balance in the digital economy ecosystem. The government believes that strengthening synergies between digital industry players like Grab and GOTO will create efficiency, expand employment opportunities, and strengthen contributions to national economic growth. With millions of driver-partners and MSMEs dependent on the digital ecosystem, this initiative is considered aligned with the government’s commitment to building technology-based economic independence for the people.
Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that this type of merger project is not aimed at creating a market monopoly, but rather at strengthening competitiveness and creating a healthy business climate. The government understands that digital platforms play a vital role in absorbing labor and maintaining economic circulation across all levels of society. With Danantara’s support, this policy can be implemented measurably and provide direct benefits to the real sector, particularly in supporting the country’s fiscal resilience by increasing productive economic activity.
Meanwhile, GOTO’s Legal Director and Group Corporate Secretary, RA Koesoemohadiani, stated that no official decision regarding the merger with Grab has been made. However, GOTO remains committed to carrying out every business step in accordance with regulations and public company governance. This compliance demonstrates the alignment between the corporate vision and the government’s fiscal policy direction, where business sustainability is part of contributing to state revenue and creating long-term economic value.
Koesoemohadiani added that GOTO is currently in a strong financial position, with an adjusted profit before tax of IDR 62 billion. This positive performance reflects the company’s success in balancing growth and operational efficiency. GOTO also raised its adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 to IDR 1.8–1.9 trillion, demonstrating a healthy and sustainable business outlook. This performance directly contributes to national fiscal growth through tax revenue and increased digital economic activity.
The government views this achievement as evidence that synergy between state investment institutions like Danantara and the private sector can have a positive impact on the economy. Danantara, in this case, acts as a bridge between the state’s fiscal interests and national business dynamics, ensuring that every investment decision is oriented toward sustainable results and supports economic independence.
Danantara’s existence is not only a symbol of strengthening fiscal instruments but also a concrete manifestation of the transformation of national economic governance. With a smart investment strategy oriented towards long-term added value, this institution is a key catalyst for the growth of strategic sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and energy. Through a professional and collaborative approach, Danantara helps the government reduce its dependence on external financing and expand domestic revenue sources.
Danantara is expected to continue strengthening its role as a key driver of national fiscal growth. With a vision to become a modern and adaptive state investment manager for global change, this institution has the potential to be a key driver in building an independent, competitive, and inclusive economy. Through solid coordination with the government and the business community, Danantara affirms its commitment to making economic independence not just a dream, but a reality that underpins Indonesia’s prosperity.
Thus, Danantara’s steps in overseeing and supporting digital industry synergy, including the proposed merger between Grab and GOTO, are part of a broader strategy to boost national fiscal growth. This institution not only manages state assets but also drives productive investment flows that strengthen the domestic economic structure. Amid global challenges, Danantara emerges as a symbol of renewed optimism driving Indonesia’s economic independence, strengthening its fiscal footing toward a sovereign, resilient, and sustainable future.
)* The author is a Jakarta student living in Bandung