DBS Asian Insights Conference 2025: Indonesia's strategy to grow amid global uncertainty | Bahasa
Digital transformation, downstreaming, and energy transition are key to strengthening competitiveness
Bank DBS Indonesia teams up with the government and experts to discuss inclusive and sustainable growth strategies
President Director of PT Bank DBS Indonesia Lim Chu Chong said, “At Bank DBS Indonesia, we recognize that businesses today require decisiveness and agility in making decisions amid an increasingly uncertain landscape. With our deep network in Asia, we serve as a strategic and trusted partner, offering strong regional connectivity and insights into trade, investment, and capital flows. We will continue to leverage the strength of our Asian connectivity to unlock cross-border opportunities for businesses, supporting sustainable and impactful growth. Through the DBS Asian Insights Conference 2025, we aim to foster cross-sector discussions to achieve long-term, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.”
One source of global uncertainty that is also a concern is the tariff policy of the United States under the Trump 2.0 administration. Although its overall impact on Indonesia’s economy is still limited, labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, furniture, and footwear are considered quite vulnerable to trade shocks. This underscores the urgency of strengthening the domestic market, diversifying exports, and enhancing the resilience of the country’s industries.
Amid these pressures, Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Indonesia for Climate and Energy Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo, remains optimistic that Indonesia’s economy can grow by up to 8 percent. “In my opinion, the key factor is increasing state revenue. And we will increase that revenue in part by leveraging artificial intelligence and information technology, including through electronic tax systems, to increase the number of taxpayers. That is one of the methods and tools we will use to boost state revenue in the coming years.”
Highlighting Economic Uncertainty, Political Consolidation, and Sustainability Efforts
This year, the DBS Asian Insights Conference 2025 features a special session titled “Beyond the Numbers: Charting Indonesia’s New Economic Course” that highlights the potential for strengthening the domestic economy, digital transformation, and foreign investment flows. This session presents insights from Indonesian economist and former Minister of Finance Chatib Basri, along with DBS Group Research Chief Economist Taimur Baig, offering in-depth analysis from both policy and national economic perspectives.
In the discussion, both speakers highlighted that amid escalating global trade tensions, Indonesia remains relatively resilient due to its limited trade exposure to the United States compared to other countries. By strengthening market diversification and regional cooperation, Indonesia is considered to have significant potential to maintain its growth momentum amid global uncertainties.
Complementing the economic discussion, the session “Political Outlook 2025: Power Consolidation for Economic Growth” features Executive Director of Indikator Politik Indonesia Burhanuddin Muhtadi, to discuss shifts in political dynamics under the new administration and policies such as the free nutritious meal program (MBG), which is expected to influence political stability, government spending direction, and the investment climate. This session is expected to provide business players with insights to align their strategies with the government’s future direction and policy priorities.
This session also places Indonesia within the context of an increasingly multipolar global geopolitical landscape, with rising tensions between the US and China that amplify market unpredictabilities. Throughout these pressures, Indonesia needs to maintain diplomatic balance, strengthen international cooperation, and address middle-class concerns with more accountable policies that support inclusive development.
Bank DBS Indonesia Facilitates Business Growth, Expansion in Asia, and Energy Transition
Bank DBS Indonesia is committed to being a strategic partner for its clients by strengthening their connectivity across Asia and supporting their transition toward greener business models. This commitment is reflected in the increased financing related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) or Sustainable Business Activity Categories (KKUB) throughout 2024.
Head of Institutional Banking Group at PT Bank DBS Indonesia Anthonius Sehonamin, said, “This increase reflects Bank DBS Indonesia’s commitment as a trusted partner in providing transition financing and sustainable financing solutions. With our cross-border network and focus on strategic sectors, we continue to drive sustainable financing that not only supports business growth but also contributes to decarbonization toward Net Zero Emission by 2050. This aligns with our vision to be the ‘Best Bank for a Better World.’”
The conference also featured two social entrepreneurs who are DBS Foundation Grantees, Du Anyam and Adena Coffee, sharing insights on the role of innovation and social awareness in building an inclusive economy. Through community-based business models, they demonstrated how social impact can go hand in hand with economic growth, particularly in supporting women’s empowerment and sustainability at the grassroots level.
Information about the DBS Asian Insights Conference 2025 can be found on Instagram: @dbsbankid, and replays are available on the Bank DBS Indonesia YouTube channel.
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About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.
Established in 1989 as part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, PT Bank DBS Indonesia (Bank DBS Indonesia) is one of the banks with the longest history in Asia. Currently operating 1 Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 16 Assistant Offices and 4 Functional Offices and 3,011 active employees in 15 Major Cities in Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia provides comprehensive banking services that focus on the customer experience to 'Live more, Bank less'. We also see a purpose beyond banking and are committed to supporting our customers, employees, and the community towards a sustainable future.
PT Bank DBS Indonesia is licensed and supervised by The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and an insured member of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
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