Febriany Eddy: Women Must Be Bold in Taking on Transformation Roles
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Managing Director of Danantara Asset Management, Febriany Eddy, emphasised that women need to be bolder in taking on roles in corporate transformations, despite the challenges not being insignificant. This follows the increasing spotlight on women’s roles in strategic positions, including in the state-owned enterprises (BUMN) sector.
Febriany conveyed this at the Top Women Fest (TWF) 2026 event, held by CNBC Indonesia in conjunction with the commemoration of Raden Ajeng Kartini. She assessed that Kartini’s spirit remains relevant, particularly in encouraging women to advance in sectors long dominated by men.
Febriany revealed that her current position demands significant responsibility, as it involves managing assets and operations of BUMNs, including companies facing financial pressures. She even admitted to often being entrusted with handling the most complex cases.
“If it’s the most difficult, it usually falls to me—the ones nearly defaulting or needing to be rescued,” she stated during a CNBC Indonesia TV broadcast, quoted on Thursday (30/4/2026).
She said that BUMN transformation cannot be limited to the organisational level but must start from leadership. Without change from leaders, changes in the company will not proceed effectively.
She added that the biggest challenge is not only in business but also in finding and preparing the right leaders. With the vast number of BUMN entities, the need for outstanding talent becomes crucial.
In that process, Danantara does not only rely on internal resources but also opens opportunities for professionals from outside, including Indonesian diaspora, to contribute. Nevertheless, efforts to attract the best talent are not always easy.
Febriany revealed that many professionals still hesitate to return to Indonesia due to factors such as quality of life and family support. But she remains optimistic, as more and more Indonesian talents are beginning to see the importance of making real contributions to the country.
She also emphasised the importance of having a purpose in work. For Febriany, a career is not merely about positions but about the impact that can be given to the wider community.
“This is not about titles, but about the impact we can provide,” she added.
Febriany assessed that women have great potential to lead change, including in situations full of pressure and high complexity. Therefore, she encouraged Indonesian women to be more confident and bold in seizing opportunities, especially in strategic sectors that have so far had minimal female representation.
“Transformation requires courage. And women have the capacity for that,” she said.