Foreign Ministry: Formation of PT Danantara Sumber Daya Indonesia to Strengthen Global Trade Integrity

Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) has asserted that the formation of PT Danantara Sumber Daya Indonesia (DSI) is a strategic step to strengthen the integrity of Indonesia’s trade system on the global stage. The policy is not intended to restrict international trade but to reform governance. Kemlu spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang explained that DSI will be tasked with creating a more transparent and accountable governance framework for the trade in strategic commodities. ‘This perspective is not a barrier, but an strengthening of the integrity of Indonesia’s trade system in the eyes of the world,’ she said during a media briefing at the Foreign Ministry in Jakarta, Thursday (21 May 2026). She rejected concerns that the formation of DSI is an attempt by the government to dominate exports or violate the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. On the contrary, the move is seen as strengthening Indonesia’s credibility in the orderly management of natural resources. ‘We remain committed to the principles of open, fair, transparent, and rules-based trading system. All policies will remain aligned with international obligations,’ she added. The government has established PT DSI as a dedicated assignment company to oversee transactions of exports of strategic commodities. This response comes amid years of persistent under-invoicing (reporting export values below actual prices) and transfer pricing practices that harmed state revenue. DSI will begin operating gradually to ensure a smooth transition in the national trade system. Government plans divide DSI’s duties into two main phases. Phase one, from 1 June to 31 December 2026, sees DSI acting as evaluator and intermediary between sellers and buyers of certain export commodities. Phase two, starting in 2027, will involve strengthening the supervisory function and full management of transactions. To date, Kemlu says it has not received responses or objections from international parties regarding the policy, as PT DSI was only officially announced by the government on 20 May 2026. The government is optimistic that the data certainty and regulatory compliance brought by DSI will enhance investor confidence and international trading partners’ trust in the future. Yvonne also explained that efforts to protect and repatriate nine Indonesian nationals detained by the Israeli military are being pursued through all diplomatic channels available to Indonesia. The meeting served as a forum for exchanging views on the role of the media in public diplomacy and strengthening Indonesia’s image abroad. Kemlu RI condemned the Israeli military’s interception of the Gaza Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla. The government ensures the crew remain healthy, logistic needs are met, and salary payments continue. Kemlu RI confirmed 39 Indonesians were found after an incident of a ship sinking in Malaysia; 16 died and 23 survived. Details to follow. Dude Harlino and Alyssa Soebandono have been questioned as witnesses in the PT DSI case. Here are seven facts about their roles, the questioning, and alleged losses of Rp2.4 trillion. The magnitude of losses and the length of the issue before detection highlight that the oversight mechanism of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) has not operated strictly and effectively.