Danantara: A Clear Manifestation of Economic Transformation

The Government of Indonesia is firmly committed to driving national economic transformation by upholding the principles of professionalism and good governance. Through the establishment of BPI Danantara, the government aims to promote equitable prosperity and a bright future for all Indonesians.
Badan Pengelola Investasi Daya Anagata Nusantara, or BPI Danantara, is an institution focused on managing and optimizing the government’s strategic investments to accelerate Indonesia’s economic growth. President Prabowo Subianto explained the meaning behind the name Danantara: “Daya” symbolizes energy or power, “Anagata” means the future, and “Nusantara” represents Indonesia as a whole—together reflecting the nation’s potential and strength in the years to come.
One key benefit of establishing BPI Danantara is the acceleration of investment in strategic sectors. According to economic expert Fithra Faisal Hastiadi, as presented to Bappenas, six priority sectors have been identified: energy (including renewable energy, which accounts for IDR 1,000 trillion of the total IDR 3,600 trillion), information and communications technology (ICT) at IDR 1,800 trillion, transportation, housing, sanitation, and water resources.
Renewable energy, in particular, has become an attractive investment sector, especially following the United States’ retreat from green energy initiatives under the Trump administration. This shift opens up new opportunities for Indonesia to become a preferred destination for investment from Europe and China.
Indonesia’s renewable energy sector is currently experiencing strong momentum as a promising global investment destination. The U.S. decision under President Trump to scale back its green energy agenda has left a gap in the global investment landscape—one now increasingly being filled by emerging markets, with Indonesia at the forefront.
Indonesia’s abundant natural resources make it a magnet for foreign investors seeking to diversify their clean energy portfolios. The country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 29% by 2030 further strengthens its appeal as an investment destination. Backed by supportive government policies—including fiscal incentives and investor-friendly regulations—Indonesia is well-positioned to capitalize on this geopolitical shift, accelerating its energy transition and positioning itself as a regional leader in the green energy revolution.
Fithra Faisal highlighted that Danantara serves a dual role as both an investment and development agency. One of the main challenges it faces is how to achieve development without incurring losses, as seen in the experience of state-owned enterprises like BUMN Karya, which, despite delivering significant public benefits (such as toll roads), have suffered financially. Initially, Danantara is expected to favor relatively safe projects. Populist social projects carry high financial risks, so balancing development ideals with economic realities is crucial.
The core challenge for Danantara lies in striking the optimal balance between national development goals and economic sustainability. On one hand, the institution is mandated to drive inclusive growth. On the other, long-term financial resilience cannot be compromised. Building a diversified investment portfolio—one that combines socially impactful infrastructure projects with profitable commercial ventures—is seen as the key to Danantara’s success. This phased approach allows the institution to build a solid financial foundation before moving into riskier, high-impact social investments.
Regarding the decline in the Indonesia Stock Exchange Index (IHSG) following Danantara’s launch, Fithra noted that the global environment is currently dynamic. The rule-based global system is facing challenges, including rising protectionism as seen during Trump’s presidency. Amid global uncertainty, Indonesia can position itself as a stable alternative for investors.
BPI Danantara also places strong emphasis on transparency and accountability. Its financial statements will be publicly accessible, and oversight will involve institutions such as the Audit Board (BPK), the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the Attorney General’s Office, the National Police, and independent auditors. Fithra Faisal likens this investment agency to a “transparent aquarium,” where every action and activity is visible to the public. This metaphor reflects not only openness in documentation but also transparency in decision-making processes, negotiations with strategic partners, and risk management.
BPI Danantara is built on a fundamental commitment to transparency and accountability as its core operational pillars. As an entity operating in a competitive market, Danantara also requires a certain level of discretion to maintain its strategic advantage—particularly in negotiations with global partners or in acquiring high-value assets.
In a landscape where public skepticism often surrounds state financial institutions, Danantara seeks to establish a new paradigm through a multi-layered supervisory system and an unprecedented level of information transparency. This approach is not just a strategic differentiator, but also a critical foundation for building public trust and gaining global investor confidence in the management of national wealth.
Danantara’s transparency and accountability initiatives should be viewed in the broader context of public sector governance reform in Indonesia. The institution has the potential to become a catalyst for cultural transformation within other state financial entities, setting new and higher standards for openness and integrity in public asset management.
BPI Danantara is not merely an administrative body—it is a strategic element that underpins the institution’s legitimacy and sustainability. The aquarium analogy offered by Fithra reflects its transformative ambition: to establish a new governance model that is clean, transparent, and responsible.
In fulfilling its mandate, Danantara Indonesia is steadfast in its commitment to advancing national economic transformation by prioritizing professionalism and sound governance. The institution focuses on three core pillars: improving the efficiency of state asset management, attracting global investors, and enhancing Indonesia’s competitive position across various strategic sectors. Through these efforts, Danantara aims to achieve equitable prosperity and shared prosperity for all Indonesians.