DBS Insights Forum 2026: Indonesia's Fundamentals Remain Strong, AI and Downstreaming Become Medium-Term Growth Catalysts | Bahasa
Indonesia, 20 Jul 2026 - Amidst the increasingly complex global geopolitical dynamics, ranging from US-China rivalry to the growing fragmentation of the global economy, understanding the direction of global change has become a priority for investors and business players today. Accordingly, Bank DBS Indonesia presented DBS Insights Forum 2026 themed “A New Lens on a Multipolar World”, a cross-disciplinary discussion forum featuring the Founder and Chairman of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) Dino Patti Djalal, Executive Director of Charta Politika Indonesia Yunarto Wijaya, Head of Investment & Insurance Product Consumer Banking Group PT Bank DBS Indonesia Djoko Soelistyo, Head of Market Intelligence PT Bank DBS Indonesia Boy Suhendry, along with a number of experts, investment manager partners, and several other experts from Bank DBS Indonesia. This series of events discussed strategic perspectives on global economic developments, Indonesia's prospects, and relevant investment strategies amidst market uncertainty.
The current economic landscape is marked by the return of a two-major-power global configuration after more than three decades of a post-Cold War unipolar era. The rivalry between the United States and China now extends from the military to the economy, technology, and diplomacy, and impacts market volatility from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. This is reflected in Bloomberg's Economic Surprise Index data as of mid-July 2026: the United States index stands at 55.0, indicating economic data that is consistently stronger than expectations, while China's index is at -20.8, indicating data releases that remain below estimates, in contrast to the Asia Pacific, which recorded optimism at the 51.5 level.
Amidst this polarisation, middle powers are expected to play an increasingly important role in the next two to three decades. With a strategic position, a continuously growing economy, and relatively maintained geopolitical stability, Indonesia is considered to have a significant opportunity to strengthen its position as one of the primary drivers in the region.
Founder and Chairman of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) Dino Patti Djalal believes that Indonesia’s geopolitical assets are stronger than a few decades ago. “We are no longer a third-world country, we are a G20 country with an upper-middle-income economy. Our geopolitics is relatively safe because current global rivalries are not directly aimed at Indonesia. This is an important asset to strengthen Indonesia's position as a strategic partner for various countries while maintaining regional stability. However, geopolitical assets alone are not enough; we still need concrete steps to win the trust of the global market,” said Dino.
Amidst high global capital mobility, investors will continue to seek countries capable of providing policy certainty, economic stability, and long-term growth prospects. Moreover, the challenges currently facing Indonesia are no longer merely about maintaining political and security stability but also about building trust.
In view of these developments, Bank DBS Indonesia sees that changes in the global landscape also present new investment opportunities that need to be addressed strategically. Head of Investment & Insurance Products, Consumer Banking Group PT Bank DBS Indonesia Djoko Sulistyo stated that current investment decisions need to be based on long-term structural trends rather than just short-term market sentiment.
“Amidst the changing global landscape, investors must apply a much broader view of opportunities by considering the fundamental strengths of each region. Currently, we see three main regions worth observing: the US, China, and Asia, including Indonesia. The US remains the leader in technological innovation, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). China has successfully accelerated AI utilisation across various industrial sectors, thereby increasing productivity, while Asia, including Indonesia, benefits from global supply chain shifts and regional economic growth. As a trusted partner in wealth management, Bank DBS Indonesia continues to provide regional insights and investment guidance so that customers can make decisions with greater confidence,” Djoko explained.
In addition to being a centre of global economic growth, Asia also plays a strategic role in future industrial supply chains, ranging from semiconductor production in Taiwan and South Korea to the supply of critical minerals such as nickel, copper, and bauxite from Indonesia. With strong domestic consumption and a relatively lower dependence on exports compared to several countries in the region, Indonesia is considered to have better economic resilience against external shocks.
Strengthening Domestic Fundamentals Amidst Global Geopolitical Dynamics
Beyond analysing external dynamics, Indonesia also needs to continue strengthening its domestic economic foundations to maintain competitiveness and attract sustainable investment. Executive Director Charta Politika Indonesia Yunarto Wijaya explained that the escalating rivalry between the US and China, as well as the tendency of various countries to implement more protectionist economic policies, means that every country needs to be more adaptive in formulating economic and diplomatic strategies.
Indonesia's steps to strengthen relations with various strategic partners, including joining BRICS as well as tightening cooperation with the US, are part of a strategy to safeguard national interests amidst the changing global order. Nevertheless, Indonesia's competitiveness is ultimately determined by the strength of its domestic economic fundamentals.
“A country's bargaining position is not only determined by its diplomatic capabilities but also by the strength of its economic fundamentals. When regulations provide certainty, the bureaucracy becomes more effective, the investment climate is conducive, and infrastructure development continues to be strengthened, Indonesia’s competitiveness is growing amidst global geopolitical dynamics,” said Yunarto.
Policies that prioritise national interests should be supported by data-driven planning, sound governance, and a strong fiscal foundation to maintain investor confidence while fostering sustainable economic growth.
The above view is consistent with Bank DBS Indonesia’s outlook on Indonesia’s economic prospects. Head of Market Intelligence PT Bank DBS Indonesia Boy Suhendry said that while the global economy continues to face various challenges, Indonesia’s economic fundamentals remain strong, supporting a positive medium-term growth outlook.
“The US continues to demonstrate strong economic resilience while Asia maintains positive growth momentum. Meanwhile, China remains Indonesia’s largest trading partner, with the country continuing to record a trade surplus. Indonesia also possesses several structural strengths that underpin its economic growth, ranging from abundant natural resources, strong domestic consumption and a demographic dividend to its downstreaming programme, which continues to enhance the value added of the country’s industries,” said Boy.
At the same time, the rapid growth of global investment in AI is creating new opportunities for Indonesia as one of the world's leading producers of nickel and other strategic minerals essential to future technology supply chains. Rising investment in AI is expected to increase demand for Indonesia’s strategic commodities, serving as a positive catalyst for the country’s medium-term economic growth.
Although market volatility continues to be influenced by geopolitical developments, fiscal policies, global liquidity, and the interest rate outlook, Bank DBS Indonesia believes that market visibility is now significantly better than it was a few months ago. Supported by strong economic fundamentals, Indonesia is well positioned to continue attracting investment and sustain its growth momentum amid the evolving global economic landscape.
The diverse perspectives and insights shared across sectors at DBS Insights Forum 2026 reaffirmed Bank DBS Indonesia’s commitment to providing adaptive and relevant investment guidance for customers. The commitment is further demonstrated by Bank DBS Indonesia’s recognition as the Best Private Bank Indonesia 2026 from FinanceAsia and the Best Priority Banking Experience 2026 award from Asian Banking & Finance.
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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 AI Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the winner of multiple digital assets awards. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years from 2009 to 2025.
DBS provides a full range of services in Consumer, Wealth, 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 Operational Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 14 Sub-Branch Offices, 32 ATMs spread across major cities and 2.861 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 uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.
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.
The current economic landscape is marked by the return of a two-major-power global configuration after more than three decades of a post-Cold War unipolar era. The rivalry between the United States and China now extends from the military to the economy, technology, and diplomacy, and impacts market volatility from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. This is reflected in Bloomberg's Economic Surprise Index data as of mid-July 2026: the United States index stands at 55.0, indicating economic data that is consistently stronger than expectations, while China's index is at -20.8, indicating data releases that remain below estimates, in contrast to the Asia Pacific, which recorded optimism at the 51.5 level.
Amidst this polarisation, middle powers are expected to play an increasingly important role in the next two to three decades. With a strategic position, a continuously growing economy, and relatively maintained geopolitical stability, Indonesia is considered to have a significant opportunity to strengthen its position as one of the primary drivers in the region.
Founder and Chairman of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) Dino Patti Djalal believes that Indonesia’s geopolitical assets are stronger than a few decades ago. “We are no longer a third-world country, we are a G20 country with an upper-middle-income economy. Our geopolitics is relatively safe because current global rivalries are not directly aimed at Indonesia. This is an important asset to strengthen Indonesia's position as a strategic partner for various countries while maintaining regional stability. However, geopolitical assets alone are not enough; we still need concrete steps to win the trust of the global market,” said Dino.
Amidst high global capital mobility, investors will continue to seek countries capable of providing policy certainty, economic stability, and long-term growth prospects. Moreover, the challenges currently facing Indonesia are no longer merely about maintaining political and security stability but also about building trust.
In view of these developments, Bank DBS Indonesia sees that changes in the global landscape also present new investment opportunities that need to be addressed strategically. Head of Investment & Insurance Products, Consumer Banking Group PT Bank DBS Indonesia Djoko Sulistyo stated that current investment decisions need to be based on long-term structural trends rather than just short-term market sentiment.
“Amidst the changing global landscape, investors must apply a much broader view of opportunities by considering the fundamental strengths of each region. Currently, we see three main regions worth observing: the US, China, and Asia, including Indonesia. The US remains the leader in technological innovation, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). China has successfully accelerated AI utilisation across various industrial sectors, thereby increasing productivity, while Asia, including Indonesia, benefits from global supply chain shifts and regional economic growth. As a trusted partner in wealth management, Bank DBS Indonesia continues to provide regional insights and investment guidance so that customers can make decisions with greater confidence,” Djoko explained.
In addition to being a centre of global economic growth, Asia also plays a strategic role in future industrial supply chains, ranging from semiconductor production in Taiwan and South Korea to the supply of critical minerals such as nickel, copper, and bauxite from Indonesia. With strong domestic consumption and a relatively lower dependence on exports compared to several countries in the region, Indonesia is considered to have better economic resilience against external shocks.
Strengthening Domestic Fundamentals Amidst Global Geopolitical Dynamics
Beyond analysing external dynamics, Indonesia also needs to continue strengthening its domestic economic foundations to maintain competitiveness and attract sustainable investment. Executive Director Charta Politika Indonesia Yunarto Wijaya explained that the escalating rivalry between the US and China, as well as the tendency of various countries to implement more protectionist economic policies, means that every country needs to be more adaptive in formulating economic and diplomatic strategies.
Indonesia's steps to strengthen relations with various strategic partners, including joining BRICS as well as tightening cooperation with the US, are part of a strategy to safeguard national interests amidst the changing global order. Nevertheless, Indonesia's competitiveness is ultimately determined by the strength of its domestic economic fundamentals.
“A country's bargaining position is not only determined by its diplomatic capabilities but also by the strength of its economic fundamentals. When regulations provide certainty, the bureaucracy becomes more effective, the investment climate is conducive, and infrastructure development continues to be strengthened, Indonesia’s competitiveness is growing amidst global geopolitical dynamics,” said Yunarto.
Policies that prioritise national interests should be supported by data-driven planning, sound governance, and a strong fiscal foundation to maintain investor confidence while fostering sustainable economic growth.
The above view is consistent with Bank DBS Indonesia’s outlook on Indonesia’s economic prospects. Head of Market Intelligence PT Bank DBS Indonesia Boy Suhendry said that while the global economy continues to face various challenges, Indonesia’s economic fundamentals remain strong, supporting a positive medium-term growth outlook.
“The US continues to demonstrate strong economic resilience while Asia maintains positive growth momentum. Meanwhile, China remains Indonesia’s largest trading partner, with the country continuing to record a trade surplus. Indonesia also possesses several structural strengths that underpin its economic growth, ranging from abundant natural resources, strong domestic consumption and a demographic dividend to its downstreaming programme, which continues to enhance the value added of the country’s industries,” said Boy.
At the same time, the rapid growth of global investment in AI is creating new opportunities for Indonesia as one of the world's leading producers of nickel and other strategic minerals essential to future technology supply chains. Rising investment in AI is expected to increase demand for Indonesia’s strategic commodities, serving as a positive catalyst for the country’s medium-term economic growth.
Although market volatility continues to be influenced by geopolitical developments, fiscal policies, global liquidity, and the interest rate outlook, Bank DBS Indonesia believes that market visibility is now significantly better than it was a few months ago. Supported by strong economic fundamentals, Indonesia is well positioned to continue attracting investment and sustain its growth momentum amid the evolving global economic landscape.
The diverse perspectives and insights shared across sectors at DBS Insights Forum 2026 reaffirmed Bank DBS Indonesia’s commitment to providing adaptive and relevant investment guidance for customers. The commitment is further demonstrated by Bank DBS Indonesia’s recognition as the Best Private Bank Indonesia 2026 from FinanceAsia and the Best Priority Banking Experience 2026 award from Asian Banking & Finance.
[END]
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 AI Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the winner of multiple digital assets awards. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years from 2009 to 2025.
DBS provides a full range of services in Consumer, Wealth, 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 Operational Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 14 Sub-Branch Offices, 32 ATMs spread across major cities and 2.861 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 uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.
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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