By: Rivka Mayangsari*)
The Indonesian government, under President Prabowo Subianto, continues to strengthen the direction of national economic policy by emphasizing the efficiency of state asset management. One of the monumental steps in this economic reform agenda is the establishment of the Danantara Investment Management Agency (BPI), which is positioned as a strategic instrument for integrated national asset management, attracting global investment, and strengthening Indonesia’s economic competitiveness on the international stage.
BPI Danantara was established with a grand vision to become a superholding entity that brings together the assets of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and the nation’s wealth under one strong corporate entity. The government positions BPI Danantara as the primary driver for driving efficiency, transformation, and productivity of state assets currently spread across various institutions.
This major step is inextricably linked to public debate regarding the direction and essence of state asset privatization policies. Some believe that the establishment of Danantara opens up broader opportunities for private and global capital involvement in the management of the nation’s strategic assets. However, the government has emphasized that BPI Danantara’s primary focus is asset optimization for the national interest, not the relinquishment of economic sovereignty to the free market.
In the context of national fiscal policy, BPI Danantara is a crucial element in supporting a positive fiscal growth strategy through the productive utilization of state assets. Danantara CEO, Rosan Roeslani, stated that his institution has successfully identified all state-owned enterprise assets worth approximately Rp14,701.5 trillion. These assets comprise property investments, fixed assets, land banks, and receivables and cash equivalents. He also explained that if asset management is carried out optimally with a target of increasing yields by 5 percent of total assets, the state has the potential to earn additional revenues of up to Rp700 trillion annually.
These calculations illustrate the enormous fiscal potential and demonstrate how Danantara’s role can strengthen the structure of the State Budget (APBN) through non-tax state revenue (PNBP). Furthermore, asset optimization is projected to create new jobs, accelerate infrastructure equity, and strengthen the supply of food, energy, and water—three vital sectors that are national priorities.
Rosan further assessed that this optimization program is not solely aimed at pursuing financial gain, but rather at ensuring that state assets can function productively. He explained that this can only be achieved through a comprehensive transformation of governance, including policies, regulations, business models, and risk management.
Danantara’s role in accelerating the optimization of state-owned enterprise assets is considered vital. This initiative also embodies the initial ideals expressed by President Prabowo Subianto, namely that all state assets and wealth be optimized for the greatest prosperity of the people. The President believes that the state cannot be passive in managing its assets but must be an active actor capable of creating new economic value, expanding fiscal space, and strengthening national economic independence.
This vision aligns with the fiscal policy currently being implemented by the Prabowo administration, namely an expansionary fiscal policy oriented towards inclusive growth and equitable development. Through this approach, the government expands fiscal space to stimulate regional economies and strengthen the real sector without sacrificing macroeconomic stability.
Deputy Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), Tamsil Linrung, assessed that the government’s fiscal policies demonstrate a clear commitment to the lower classes and regional communities. He argued that the Prabowo administration’s fiscal design reflects a pro-people development ideology, with a primary focus on strengthening real sectors such as food security, village cooperatives, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This view emphasizes that optimizing state assets through Danantara is not a stand-alone initiative, but rather an integral part of the broader national development plan. When state assets are managed productively, the results will strengthen the state budget and provide greater scope for the government to expand public welfare programs.
Furthermore, Danantara is also expected to be a catalyst for inter-regional economic equality. Through a targeted investment strategy, regional assets can be leveraged to create new centers of economic growth. This approach aligns with the spirit of equitable development, a top priority of the current administration: building from the periphery, strengthening the people’s economy, and reducing inter-regional disparities.
With such a large scale of assets, Danantara serves not only as an investment management institution but also as a symbol of national economic efficiency and independence. Strengthening the fiscal structure through optimizing state assets is a strategic step to maintain a balance between economic growth and sustainability.
Today, Danantara is living proof that Indonesia is on a new path toward positive fiscal growth and true economic sovereignty. Through pro-active fiscal policies, transparent governance, and productive asset management, the government strives to ensure that all of the nation’s wealth works for the benefit of the people.
With the spirit of collaboration between the state, the business world, and the community, Danantara has become a symbol that the nation’s assets are not for sale, but rather to be managed, developed, and returned to benefit all Indonesian people.
*) Economic observer
