James Riady: Amid Geopolitical Turmoil, Indonesia Becomes Global Investment Opportunity Hub
JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Global geopolitical uncertainties—from trade wars and supply chain disruptions to energy crises—have positioned Indonesia strategically on the world economic map. With a strong domestic market, demographic dividend, abundant natural resources, and the global need for critical minerals and energy, Indonesia is increasingly becoming a focal point for international investors.
This was stated by James T. Riady, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Division of Kadin Indonesia, at the Kadin Indonesia Monthly Diplomatic Economic Breakfast held at the Auditorium on the 3rd Floor of Wisma Danantara Indonesia, Jakarta, on Friday (08/05/2026). The event featured Investment Minister and Downstreaming/Head of BKPM RI as well as CEO of Danantara Indonesia, Rosan P. Roeslani, and Kadin Indonesia Chairman, Anindya Novyan Bakrie. The event was also attended by dozens of ambassadors and diplomatic corps members, regional Kadin leaders, business actors, and government officials.
James said that the world is currently facing increasingly complex economic challenges, ranging from geopolitical tensions, shifts in global supply chains, energy security crises, rising protectionism, to slowing world economic growth. “Today, economics and geopolitics are deeply intertwined,” said James Riady.
According to him, amid a global situation full of uncertainties, dialogue, trust, and economic cooperation are becoming increasingly important. He noted that the high enthusiasm of participants in the forum reflects the international world’s need for closer economic communication and collaboration with Indonesia.
James revealed that more than 250 participants attended the event, including around 58 ambassadors and diplomatic corps members, 20 regional Kadin chairmen from various parts of Indonesia, ministry leaders, foreign chambers of commerce, bilateral committee leaders, as well as national and international business communities.
According to James, Indonesia’s current position is increasingly strategic because the world is seeking new centres of economic growth, new investment destinations, energy security sources, and supplies of critical minerals to support the global industrial transformation. “Indonesia continues to stand in a position of strategic relevance and long-term opportunity,” he stated.
James assessed that Indonesia remains one of the world’s largest emerging markets with a large demographic strength, abundant natural resources, and continuously growing domestic demand. Therefore, according to him, the presence of institutions like Danantara Indonesia is becoming increasingly important in accelerating Indonesia’s long-term economic transformation.
Under Rosan Roeslani’s leadership, James said, Danantara plays a strategic role in accelerating investment, strengthening investor confidence, and driving national economic development.
James also emphasised the importance of Kadin Indonesia’s role under Anindya Bakrie’s leadership as a bridge between government and the business world, between international partners and regional opportunities, and between economic vision and practical implementation on the ground. “Kadin must continue to play its role as a bridge between government and business, between international partners and regional opportunities, and between economic vision and practical execution on the ground,” he said.
According to James, the Diplomatic Economic Breakfast forum is not merely a ceremonial event, but a strategic platform for building economic relations, strengthening international engagement, and encouraging concrete collaborations. He also expressed appreciation to Rosan P. Roeslani for facilitating the event at Wisma Danantara Indonesia.
James noted that Rosan not only serves as Investment Minister and CEO of Danantara, but also as former Kadin Indonesia Chairman who has made significant contributions to strengthening national and international business relations.
On that occasion, James also appreciated Anindya Bakrie’s leadership, which he assessed as continuously strengthening Kadin Indonesia’s role both nationally and globally. The forum concluded with business discussion sessions, diplomatic networking, and several photo sessions among Kadin leaders, ambassadors, regional heads, foreign chambers of commerce, and national business actors.
Amid a world increasingly filled with geopolitical uncertainties and economic fragmentation, James Riady emphasised that the future is no longer built solely by national power, but by the ability to build dialogue, trust, and cross-border collaborations. And amid that global change, Indonesia wants to stand not just as a large market, but as a centre of growth and a strategic world partner.