Luke Thomas Appointed CEO of DSI, Rosan Reveals Main Reason

Jakarta, Aktual.com – The Minister of Investment and Hilirisasi and CEO of Danantara Indonesia, Rosan Roeslani, stated that Luke Thomas Mahony’s track record and experience were the main considerations in appointing him as Director (President Director) of PT Danantara Sumber Daya Indonesia (DSI). According to Rosan, Luke is regarded as having strong experience in the mineral sector and trading, as well as a wide network in the industry. “We considered many factors, including his track record. The most important is that he has trading and minerals experience; he has led a mineral company and has a good network,” Rosan said at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Friday (22 May 2026). Luke Thomas is known to be an Australian national who previously served as Director at PT Vale Indonesia. In addition, he has also served as SEVP – Senior Executive Vice President, Business Performance & Optimisation at Danantara Indonesia since September 2025. Rosan added that during his time with Danantara, Luke’s performance has been rated very highly. He is also said to have an understanding of the Indonesian context, including the ability to speak Indonesian. “He can speak Indonesian and understands the local conditions. That is also an added value,” he said. Luke Thomas’s appointment coincides with the formation of a new corporate entity named PT Danantara Sumber Daya Indonesia (DSI), which will act as a state-owned enterprise (BUMN) exporter of strategic natural resource commodities (SDA). The government has formed DSI to strengthen the governance of commodity exports such as coal, palm oil (CPO), nickel, and other minerals. This company will be the main executor of export management on a phased basis until it is fully operational from 1 September 2026. President Prabowo Subianto previously announced the issuance of Government Regulation relating to governance of strategic SDA exports. Under the regulation, the government requires sale of certain commodities to be conducted through a state-owned enterprise designated as the sole exporter. “All sales of our natural resource outputs must be conducted through a government-appointed state-owned enterprise as the sole exporter,” Prabowo said at a plenary session of the DPR RI. Meanwhile, Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto said the formation of DSI is a strategic step to strengthen export oversight and the country’s foreign exchange earnings. He explained that the contribution of SDA commodity exports accounts for around 60 percent of total national exports. However, there are still practices of trade mis-invoicing or under-invoicing leading to discrepancies in export data and potentially harming the country. “This affects foreign exchange earnings, taxes, and the accuracy of trade data,” Airlangga said. During the transition period, exporting companies can still conduct direct transactions with foreign buyers, but export documentation will be processed through the DSI. After the three-month transition period, all export processes, from contracts to payments, will be fully managed by the DSI. The government hopes that the establishment of this state-owned exporting enterprise will enhance trade transparency, strengthen foreign exchange reserves, maintain the stability of the rupiah’s exchange rate, and optimise national revenues from the natural resource sector.