President Prabowo Boosts State Banks' Role in Economy with New Export Policy
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized the crucial role of state-owned banks (Himbara) in bolstering the national economy.
- A new one-door export system will centralize foreign exchange management through PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia and Himbara banks.
- The government aims for Himbara to significantly contribute to national economic growth and development priorities.
President Prabowo Subianto has underscored the strategic importance of state-owned banks, collectively known as Himbara, in strengthening Indonesia's economy. This directive comes as the government prepares to implement a new one-door export system, a key initiative aimed at centralizing foreign exchange proceeds.
Under the new policy, foreign exchange earnings will be managed centrally by PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI). These funds will then be channeled through the network of state-owned banking institutions. The announcement followed a meeting between President Prabowo and executives from Himbara banks at the Presidential Palace on Thursday.
The president gave clear direction on the upcoming government policy.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the government expects Himbara to play an expanded role in driving economic growth. "The president gave clear direction on the upcoming government policy," Airlangga told reporters, highlighting the one-stop export system and the channeling of foreign exchange through Himbara as central tenets.
During the meeting, President Prabowo outlined several government priorities, stressing Himbara's vital function as a national development agency. Directors and commissioners from major state banks, including Bank Mandiri, BRI, BNI, BTN, and BSI, attended the session, alongside several cabinet ministers. Minister of Investment and Downstream Development Rosan Roeslani described the meeting as a productive initial step toward reinforcing Himbara's position as a cornerstone of the national economy and fostering closer government-bank coordination for sustainable development.
The president hopes these banks play a major role in supporting national economic growth.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.