Indonesia Launches First Aviation Leasing Investment Platform Worth US$800 Million
Indonesia has officially introduced its first aviation leasing investment platform, known as the Mandiri Aviation Leasing Fund. This initiative represents a strategic collaboration between Danantara Investment Management, SMBC Aviation Capital, and Mandiri Investment Management.
Pandu Sjahrir, Chief Investment Officer of Danantara Indonesia, stated that this partnership marks Indonesia’s significant participation in the global aviation financing ecosystem. The initial portfolio value of the platform is estimated at around US$800 million or the equivalent of Rp13.53 trillion, based on an exchange rate of Rp16,916 per US dollar, as reported by Detik Finance.
Pandu explained that through its role as a lead partner alongside SMBC Aviation Capital and Mandiri Investment Management, Danantara Indonesia is not only investing in a world-class platform promising optimal returns but also building essential strategic capacity for Indonesia.
The Mandiri Aviation Leasing Fund will be jointly managed by Mandiri Investment Management and SMBC Aviation Capital. This cooperation agreement integrates Mandiri Investment Management’s capabilities in designing investment platform structures with SMBC Aviation Capital’s deep operational expertise in the aviation leasing sector.
As part of the agreement, SMBC Aviation Capital will be responsible for operational services and aircraft leasing management for the Mandiri Aviation Leasing Fund. This step also aims to strengthen the long-term capabilities of the aviation leasing business in Indonesia.
Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer of SMBC Aviation Capital, welcomed this strategic partnership. He stated that the collaboration will drive progress in Indonesia’s aviation ecosystem both domestically and internationally. He hopes that close cooperation with Mandiri and Danantara will support sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration across the sector.
In the long term, Pandu Sjahrir also hopes that this platform will support the expansion of Danantara Investment Management into related global assets. Additionally, it is expected to provide optimal returns adjusted for risk to investors, while positioning Indonesia within the global value chain of the aviation leasing industry.
This partnership also serves as a foundation for broader economic cooperation between Indonesia and Japan. It opens up various opportunities for sustainable cross-border investments between the SMBC Group and Danantara Indonesia.
In addition to the Mandiri Aviation Leasing Fund, 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and other strategic cooperation agreements have been agreed upon between Indonesian and Japanese business actors at the Indonesia-Japan Business Forum in Tokyo on 30 March 2026. These agreements are valued at a total of US$23.63 billion or approximately Rp401.71 trillion, as reported by Metrotvnews.com.
These agreements cover various sectors, from the development of downstream projects based on clean energy, such as methanol production from carbon emissions, exploration and development in the oil and gas sector, to geothermal energy development. Additionally, focus is placed on strengthening inclusive financial ecosystems and strategic investments.
Rosan Roeslani, CEO of Danantara, highlighted the importance of the partnership with SMBC, including SMBC Aviation Leasing and SMBC Bank, each worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He also mentioned funding of around Rp5 trillion or US$300 million from SMBC Bank for Pegadaian, as reported by Kumparan.
The Abadi Gas Field project in the Masela Block, involving PT Pertamina (Persero) and INPEX, has an initial investment value of US$20.9 billion. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that this value has the potential to increase amid global geopolitical uncertainties.
Other collaborations include the Indonesia-Japan Strategic Beauty Partnership between PT Nose Herbal Indo and 2Way World with an investment value of US$500 million, as well as the Hululais Geothermal Power Plant Project between the Indonesian Government and JICA. These initiatives demonstrate the commitment of both countries to supporting Indonesia’s more modern, competitive, and sustainable economic transformation.