The world’s top business leaders, investors, and policymakers have arrived in Indonesia’s capital as the 23rd Forbes Global CEO Conference officially opens in Jakarta, marking the country’s debut as host of one of the world’s most influential corporate gatherings.
The two-day event, running from 14–15 October 2025, brings together over 380 global executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders under the theme “The World Pivots.” The discussions will explore the future of leadership, innovation, and investment amid sweeping technological and geopolitical shifts.
At the centre of the conference is President Prabowo Subianto, who will serve as the keynote speaker during a headline session titled “A Meeting of Minds.” The dialogue, moderated by Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, will address Indonesia’s economic strategy, digital transformation, and its growing role in global investment flows.
“Forbes is proud to host this year’s conference in Jakarta, where global business and regional opportunity intersect,” Forbes said. “President Prabowo’s participation highlights Indonesia’s dynamic leadership and its pivotal role in shaping the future of the global economy.”
The opening day features a conversation between Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Indonesia’s Minister of Investment and Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), and Rich Karlgaard, Futurist and Columnist at Forbes Asia, discussing the nation’s downstream industry and innovation agenda.
Throughout the two-day event, more than 50 distinguished speakers from across the globe will share insights on the state of the world economy, artificial intelligence, sustainable philanthropy, healthcare innovation, and family enterprise transitions.
Among the notable participants are Tadashi Yanai, Chairman and CEO of Fast Retailing (UNIQLO); Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International; Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A; Chartsiri Sophonpanich, President of Bangkok Bank; Shinta W. Kamdani, CEO of Sintesa Group; and Anthony Tan, Co-founder and CEO of Grab.
The conference also features high-profile discussions on venture capital in the age of AI, philanthropy in a digital era, and Asia’s family business succession strategies — moderated by senior Forbes editors, including Moira Forbes and Rana Wehbe Watson.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Deliver Keynotes on Day 2
The event will culminate in a gala dinner on Wednesday evening, where President Prabowo will once again share the stage with Steve Forbes. Their discussion is expected to delve into Indonesia’s ambitious infrastructure push, renewable energy transition, and its bid to become a leading digital and green economy hub in Asia.
This year’s edition of the conference, now in its 23rd year, marks a milestone for both Forbes and Indonesia. Having previously been hosted in cities like Singapore and Hong Kong, the choice of Jakarta reflects growing investor confidence in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
Forbes targets the conference to be able to “provide a platform where business leaders can engage with the most pressing challenges and opportunities of our time.”
As the city of Jakarta welcomes global delegates, its skyline gleams as a symbol of progress, underscoring Indonesia’s ascent from a rising regional player to a vital bridge between East and West in the rapidly evolving world economy.
