One Year in, Prabowo Urges Danantara to Strengthen Asset Management

Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised that Danantara Indonesia must protect and manage the nation’s assets to secure a prosperous future for the country during the sovereign wealth fund’s first anniversary celebration in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Prabowo stated that Danantara represents a consolidation of all assets owned by Indonesia, tasked with the considerable responsibility of managing and overseeing state wealth.

During its first year of operation, Prabowo said, Danantara has achieved a position among the world’s top ten sovereign wealth funds, standing alongside other major nations.

“We are grateful that management over this past year has demonstrated that with good management, proper oversight, particularly with the correct will and political determination, and the right spirit, results are already visible,” Prabowo said.

The President reported that Danantara’s return on assets in its first year has exceeded 300 per cent.

According to Prabowo, Danantara has been managed with seriousness and strong determination. However, significant work remains, particularly in generating net profits that represent a higher return on assets.

The President cited the example of well-managed companies typically achieving return on assets of between 10 and 15 per cent. Prabowo emphasised that Danantara must achieve at least the 10 per cent benchmark.

“We understand that perhaps in the early years we cannot reach this target. If returns are only 5 per cent, then Danantara would have to return $50 billion to the state annually—that is 800 trillion rupiah,” Prabowo said.

The President also acknowledged Danantara’s performance in its inaugural year, whilst cautioning that the institution must not become complacent and must continue pursuing ambitious targets.

“Congratulations to Danantara on its first year. You have demonstrated excellent performance. Everyone I hear from abroad—when they meet colleagues from Danantara—are impressed. They are surprised. They see a different face of Indonesia,” Prabowo said.

The first anniversary celebration was attended by all ministers of the Red and White Cabinet, presidential special envoys, and heads of various agencies and institutions.