Sandri Rumanama Urges Danantara to Establish Online Transport SOE
National activist Sandri Rumanama believes the government’s move through the Investment Management Agency (BPI) Danantara to acquire a stake in PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk should be accompanied by a broader business strategy beyond mere investment.
According to Sandri, the government should capitalise on this momentum to establish or prepare a state-owned enterprise (SOE) focused on managing two- and four-wheeled digital transport.
‘While the 8% stake may be small, Danantara should already be business-savvy. The digital transport business model is highly promising and must be maximised. At the very least, there should be an SOE managing digital two- and four-wheeled transport,’ Sandri stated in a comment.
The government was previously reported to have taken a stake in GoTo via Danantara. This move is seen as part of efforts to push for a policy capping ride-hailing app commissions at a maximum of 8% to improve driver partners’ welfare.
Sandri argues that government involvement in the digital transport sector should not stop at shareholding. He believes the state needs to take a larger role in managing the rapidly growing business amid the digital economic transformation.
He explained that two- and four-wheeled transport businesses have evolved into an ecosystem connecting transportation, logistics, automotive, and digital financial services.
According to Sandri, the business models of companies like Gojek and Grab show the sector has significant and sustainable economic potential.
‘This is a promising business. Danantara should not merely purchase shares but also have government-led management. Perhaps a holding structure under existing SOEs like DAMRI or a new SOE,’ he said.
He believes establishing a state entity in the digital transport sector could strengthen Indonesia’s position in the growing digital economy industry. Furthermore, the move could generate economic value and expand benefits for the public and app-based transport operators.