Misbakhun Calls Prabowo's Visit to Japan Strategic, Here is Why
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Chairman of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mukhamad Misbakhun, considers President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Japan at the end of March 2026 to have strategic impacts on the national economy. Various agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) announced at the Japan-Indonesia Business Forum are seen as reflecting the strengthening of Indonesia-Japan cooperation in high-value-added sectors.
One aspect highlighted by Commission XI is the increasingly visible role of Danantara Investment Management as an enabler in building the national investment ecosystem, particularly through the launch of the Mandiri Aviation Leasing Fund, Indonesia’s first aircraft leasing platform. “We see the President’s visit to Japan not merely as diplomacy, but also as economic statecraft. The MoUs that emerged demonstrate Indonesia’s increasingly mature positioning in the global value chain,” said Misbakhun, as quoted from a written statement on Thursday (2/4/2026).
Misbakhun views the cooperation between Danantara Investment Management, SMBC Aviation Capital, and Mandiri Investment Management as a progressive step in the financial and investment sectors. The presence of the aviation leasing fund is considered to open new opportunities for Indonesia to enter the global supply chain. “The aircraft leasing industry is a capital-intensive sector, with global standards and a long-term orientation. With Danantara’s involvement as an anchor investor, Indonesia is no longer just a market, but beginning to take on the role of a player,” he said.
He added that the institutional-grade fund structure and joint management with one of the world’s largest aircraft lessors reflect an improvement in the quality of national investment. This also aligns with Commission XI’s function in promoting financial deepening.
According to Misbakhun, Danantara’s role in various cross-sector collaborations during the President’s visit to Japan demonstrates the transformation of the institution’s function, not only as an investor but also as a catalyst for ecosystem building. “We see Danantara acting as a platform builder. It does not stand alone, but connects state-owned enterprises, global partners, and the financial market. This is important for accelerating the building of national capacity,” he stated.
He assessed that the partnership model like the one in aviation leasing can be replicated in other global asset classes, while expanding long-term financing sources for the Indonesian economy.
Furthermore, Misbakhun emphasised that the Indonesia-Japan cooperation announced in Tokyo also reflects a shift in the direction of Indonesia’s economic development towards high-value-added, high-tech, and sustainable sectors, from energy and advanced manufacturing to finance. “If this consistency is maintained, the impact will not only be on growth, but also on the quality of growth. There is knowledge transfer, institutional strengthening, and increased credibility of Indonesia in the eyes of global investors,” he said.
Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, continued Misbakhun, will continue to oversee so that international cooperation and financing innovations like those carried out by Danantara remain aligned with principles of prudence, good governance, and provide maximum benefits for the national economy. “In the end, what we are pushing for is sustainable, inclusive economic growth that can elevate Indonesia’s class. The steps taken during the President’s visit to Japan are on the right track,” he concluded.