By: Dhita Karuniawati*
The era of President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership has witnessed various revolutionary policies in shaping the Indonesian economy towards greater independence and resilience. Two major initiatives that have caught the public’s attention are the establishment of Danantara and Bank Emas, each of which has great potential to strengthen the national economy. These two institutions are strategic steps that reflect President Prabowo’s courage and vision in presenting a more independent and sustainable system amidst global economic turmoil.
Danantara, a new infrastructure financing institution, is one of the flagship programs of President Prabowo’s administration. The name “Danantara” reflects the intention to create a financial system that bridges the need for infrastructure development with domestic financial resources. Thus, Danantara aims to reduce dependence on foreign loans or foreign investors in financing national infrastructure projects.
One of the biggest challenges faced by Indonesia is the very large need for infrastructure financing, while the state budget is limited. Therefore, Danantara is present as an institution that provides infrastructure financing with a more independent model, through domestic fundraising. In this way, the country can reduce dependence on foreign loans that can increase the country’s debt burden.
Danantara acts as a mediator between infrastructure projects and domestic investors, especially from the private sector and local financial institutions. Danantara’s existence is expected to attract more domestic investment, reduce leakage of funds, create new jobs, and increase Indonesia’s economic independence.
Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Djiwandono ensured that the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (Danantara) will not mortgage government-owned shares. Danantara was formed through Law Number 1 of 2025 to strengthen the role of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) as engines of economic growth. Thomas explained that Danantara has the authority to manage BUMN dividends, approve additions and reductions in BUMN capital participation sourced from dividend management, and become a container for BUMN dividend investment so that it can be further developed. Danantara’s initial capital reached IDR 1,000 trillion, sourced from state capital participation in the form of BUMN shares and cash funds.
Another policy that deserves appreciation is the establishment of Bank Emas, which aims to make gold a financial instrument that is more easily accessible to the public. Gold has long been known as the safest form of investment, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Gold Bank is here to facilitate the storage, purchase, and trading of gold more easily and transparently.
The establishment of Gold Bank is based on the community’s need for a more stable investment alternative. Gold has extraordinary resistance to inflation and global market fluctuations. With the increasing popularity of gold-based investments, Gold Bank provides people with an option to protect their wealth from economic turmoil or currency exchange rate fluctuations.
In addition, Gold Bank can improve the Indonesian economy by encouraging the use of gold as a more stable foreign exchange reserve. As a gold-producing country, Indonesia must utilize this potential to strengthen the domestic economy and reduce dependence on foreign currencies. With wider use of gold, the Indonesian financial system can be more stable and competitive.
Gold Bank is also expected to be an instrument in efforts to increase financial inclusion in Indonesia. Many people outside big cities still have difficulty accessing conventional financial products, but with Gold Bank, people in remote areas can easily invest in gold through a digital system. With wider access to gold as an investment asset, people can be more independent in managing their finances.
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) revealed that bullion businesses, including gold and precious metals, have received insurance protection in Indonesia. This protection covers various risks, from storage to delivery of gold and precious metals. Chief Executive of the Insurance, Guarantee, and Pension Fund Supervisory Agency (KE PPDP) Ogi Prastomiyono explained that insurance products for bullion businesses are available in several forms, including insurance protection for gold stored (cash in safe) and gold in transit (cash in transit). In addition, there is burglary insurance that provides protection for customers from the risk of burglary of gold and precious metal storage. The establishment of Danantara and Bank Emas during the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto is a major step that reflects courage and far-sighted vision inbuilding a more independent Indonesian economy that is resilient to global economic turmoil. Both institutions offer solutions to the major challenges facing the country, such as dependence on foreign debt and financial market volatility. With proper management, both institutions can have a positive impact on the Indonesian economy, both in the short and long term.
Policies like these show that the government is increasingly committed to creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and domestically-based economic system. By continuing to support innovation and the use of technology, Danantara and Bank Emas can become important pillars in creating a stronger and more competitive Indonesian economy.
)*The author is a Contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute
