Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been named as an advisor to the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (Danantara). The announcement was made by Danantara’s Head, Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, after a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace Complex.
“Yes, (Tony Blair) is one of them,” Rosan confirmed, as reported by ANTARA on Monday, February 24, 2025.
When asked whether Indonesia’s former presidents, including the country’s 5th President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, would also be part of Danantara’s supervisory board, Rosan responded broadly: “All are invited.”
Rosan, who also serves as Minister of Investment and Hilirization, has been appointed as Danantara’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He is joined by Pandu Sjahrir as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Dony Oskaria as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Additionally, President Prabowo has designated State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Erick Thohir as Chairman of Danantara’s Supervisory Board, assisted by Deputy Chairman Muliaman Hadad.
Experts believe that Tony Blair’s appointment will boost Danantara’s international standing. Josua Pardede, Chief Economist at Permata Bank, emphasized the strategic importance of Blair’s involvement.
“The appointment of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as part of Danantara’s Supervisory Board is a strategic move to enhance international credibility and attract global investors,” Josua told Antara in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
With his vast political and business networks, Blair is expected to help open access to global investment markets, particularly in Europe and the United States.
Tony Blair is no stranger to Indonesia. In addition to his tenure as the UK’s Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007, he has maintained close ties with Indonesian leaders. He notably met with Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo, at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on April 18, 2024. He also previously served as an advisor for Indonesia’s ambitious new capital city project, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN).
Understanding Danantara: Indonesia’s New Sovereign Wealth Fund
Danantara, officially launched by President Prabowo Subianto on February 24, 2025, is a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) designed to optimize Indonesia’s wealth through strategic investments. The name Danantara carries deep meaning: Daya means energy or power, Anagata means future, and Nusantara represents the Indonesian archipelago.
“Danantara is the consolidation of all our economic power that is currently managed by state-owned enterprises. It will be structured and named Danantara,” President Prabowo explained during a recent economic meeting at the Merdeka Palace.
Danantara focuses on key national sectors such as downstream industries, infrastructure development, food and energy security, and digital industries. Unlike the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), which manages specific assets, Danantara will integrate government-owned assets across various ministries to create a more efficient and unified investment management system. By prioritizing non-state budget (non-APBN) investments, Danantara aims to generate independent funding sources while complementing the national budget.
Ultimately, Danantara is envisioned as the foundation for a superholding of state-owned companies, driving Indonesia’s economic growth and global investment appeal.
Cover: Source: Setneg.go.id & Wikimedia Kmu.gov.ua
