Formation of Danantara and Gold Bank: President Prabowo’s Efforts to Achieve Economic Independence
Jakarta – President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, stated that the newly launched strategic policies, such as the establishment of the Danantara Investment Management Agency and the Gold Bank, are crucial steps toward Indonesia’s economic independence. He conveyed this during the inauguration of Pegadaian Gold Bank Services and Bank Syariah Indonesia at The Gade Tower, Jakarta.
“This month, February 2025, can be considered a historic month in our nation’s journey. The government under my leadership has implemented several strategic policies as part of our efforts toward economic independence—toward an Indonesia that is secure, just, prosperous, strong, and self-reliant,” said Prabowo.
The government announced a new policy to strengthen national economic resilience by requiring the retention of foreign exchange earnings from natural resource exports (DHE SDA) within the country. This policy, effective March 1, 2025, mandates that 100% of export foreign exchange earnings be placed in national banks for a period of 12 months.
“With this step, which takes effect on March 1, our export foreign exchange reserves are expected to increase by 80 billion US dollars in 2025 because we start on March 1. It is estimated that within a year, our foreign exchange reserves will reach at least 100 billion US dollars,” Prabowo stated.
Additionally, the government launched the Daya Anagatha Nusantara Investment Management Agency (Danantara)to accelerate downstream industrial development.
With total assets exceeding 900 billion US dollars, Danantara aims to fast-track downstream industry development, significantly increasing the added value of all natural resources and national production—potentially by tens or even hundreds of times.
Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia’s wealth and potential are vast, but their management must be more intelligent, meticulous, cautious, and transparent.
“With good intentions, strong determination, learning from all experiences, and a commitment to establishing a clean and corruption-free government, we are confident that our wealth will be safeguarded because it belongs to our children and grandchildren,” the President stated.
President Prabowo also expressed his pride that, for the first time in history, Indonesia now has a Gold Bank.
This step is considered significant, as Indonesia is the world’s sixth-largest gold reserve holder. Prabowo noted that preparations for the Gold Bank took more than four years.
Prabowo recognized that Indonesia is a rich country. The national gold production has increased from 100 tons to 160 tons per year.
With improvements in the service ecosystem, the President hopes this initiative will accelerate savings and increase Indonesia’s gold reserves.
The President also expects the presence of the Gold Bank to have a positive impact on the country’s economy. The Gold Bank has the potential to increase GDP by IDR 245 trillion, create jobs for 1.8 million people, and expand and conserve the country’s foreign exchange reserves. By comprehensively managing and storing gold domestically, the Head of State stated that gold shipments abroad could be controlled.
“This will also enhance monetary stability control through the gold liquidity mechanism at the Gold Bank and facilitate domestic gold transactions,” Prabowo concluded.
