Why Luke Thomas Is Appointed as President Director of DSI: Experienced and Speaks Indonesian

Badan Pengelola Investasi (BPI) Daya Anangata Nusantara (Danantara) has appointed Luke Thomas Mahony as President Director of PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI). The company will become a State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) dedicated to managing the export of natural resource commodities (SDA).

The appointment is based on his track record of leading several multinational companies. It is known that Thomas previously served as a director at PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (INCO).

‘We consider many factors here; it’s not just his track record. He also understands the practices from multinational companies, including Vale, and he can speak Indonesian because his wife is Indonesian,’ said Rosan Roeslani, CEO of BPI Danantara, at the Presidential Complex, Jakarta Pusat, on Friday 22 May 2026.

According to him, Thomas has experience in the trading and mining sectors. He is also said to have extensive networks given his leadership of many companies.

‘He has trading experience, minerals, and has led many mineral-oriented firms. His network is strong, and importantly, our performance at Danantara has been very, very good,’ he concluded.

DSI is an enterprise entity that will regulate the governance of exporting SDA commodities. Its formation followed the Government Regulation (PP) on Governance of Export of Natural Resource Commodities via a State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN).

The PP is designed to strengthen export oversight, prevent manipulation practices such as under invoicing and transfer pricing, and curb the leakage of export earnings (DHE). Through this policy, exports of strategic commodities such as palm oil, coal, and ferro alloy must be conducted through the government-designated BUMN.

Co-ordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, said DSI has been formed by BPI Danantara. The formation of DSI is an effort to exercise oversight control over export earnings from SDA commodities. Moreover, the move also builds the validity and integrity of trade data.

He noted that the step has two positive effects. First, to reinforce control over export earnings (DHE) affecting exchange-rate stability and the current account balance. Second, to drive optimised state revenue through taxes, export duties, and SDA Non-Tax Revenue (PNBP SDA).

‘The aim is to prevent and eliminate trade misinvoicing, to spur economic growth, and to safeguard the exchange rate with larger foreign exchange reserves,’ Airlangga said at a press conference at the House of Representatives (DPR) building, Jakarta Pusat, on Wednesday 20 May 2026.