On February 24, 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto officially launched the Danantara Investment Fund (BPI Danantara) during a ceremony held at the Istana Kepresidenan in Jakarta. This significant event aims to strengthen Indonesia's economic independence and sustainability through careful management of national investments.
During his address, President Prabowo described Danantara as a historic milestone for the country. He unequivocally stated, "Danantara Indonesia untuk itu harus dikelola dengan sebaik-baiknya, dengan sangat hati-hati, dengan sangat transparan, dengan saling mengawasi..." (For this, Danantara Indonesia must be managed as well as possible, with great care, great transparency, and mutual oversight). His remarks underscored the necessity for strict governance and accountability within the new body, inspiring confidence among stakeholders.
Prabowo announced the allocation of the initial investment, amounting to US$20 billion, which will be funneled toward dozens of strategic national projects focusing on various sectors including nickel, bauxite, copper, artificial intelligence data centers, oil refineries, petrochemical plants, food and protein production, aquaculture, and renewable energy.
Highlighting the fund's significance, Prabowo explained, "Dana yang sebelumnya terhambat oleh inefisiensi, korupsi, dan belanja-belanja yang kurang tepat sasaran" (Funds previously hindered by inefficiency, corruption, and misdirected spending) are now being redirected to catalyze Indonesia's development. This first wave of funding reflects his administration's capacity to recover approximately US$20 billion within the first 100 days of his leadership.
The launch was attended by notable figures, including former presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo, as well as former vice presidents Jusuf Kalla, Boediono, and Ma'ruf Amin. Business tycoon Chairul Tanjung also participated, marking the event as pivotal not just politically but economically.
Basuki Hadimuljono, the head of the Nusantara Capital Authority, expressed his hope for Danantara to inject funds for the development of the new capital. "Saya harapkan saya dicuilkan sedikit untuk IKN. Mudah-mudahan IKN juga kecipratan dari program Danantara..." (I hope I can get a little for the IKN. Hopefully, IKN will also benefit from the Danantara program), he stated, signaling the potential impact on infrastructure development linked to the national investment body.
President Prabowo emphasized the fund's commitment to openness, stating, "Harus bisa diaudit setiap saat oleh siapa pun, karena ini sekali lagi adalah milik anak dan cucu kita..." (It must be auditable at any time by anyone because this is once again the property of our children and grandchildren). The focus on transparency aims to assure citizens and stakeholders alike of the integrity of the fund's operations.
Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, CEO of Danantara, reinforced the message of accountability, asserting, "Pertama yang ingin saya sampaikan, nggak ada yang kebal hukum di negara ini..." (The first thing I want to say is, no one is above the law in this country). He indicated the authority of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) to intervene if any unsatisfactory or criminal behaviors were detected within the fund's operations.
Danantara is set to oversee national assets valued at approximately US$980 billion (around Rp 15,978 trillion), ensuring the proper management of Indonesia's resources, including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and food production initiatives.
With Danantara's launch, President Prabowo has established the groundwork for transforming how Indonesia manages its wealth and promotes development. The fund is not merely intended as another financial vehicle; instead, it embodies the national development strategy aimed at benefiting all Indonesians. The commitment to transparency, exhaustive oversight, and responsible investment heralds a new era for the nation’s economy, setting the stage for lasting progress.