Alfitria Nefi P, Jakarta – The narrative advocating for the government to forcibly acquire shares of PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) has the potential to destabilize the banking system, according to Didik J Rachbini, Rector of Paramadina University.

"The idea should not be heeded by the president because it will disrupt the banking system," Didik stated in a written statement released on Friday, August 22, 2025.

Threat to market confidence

Didik emphasized that the current banking sector has undergone a robust transformation since its restructuring after the 1998 exchange rate crisis. He argued that a government takeover of private banks could undermine market confidence, potentially destabilizing the industry. "Banks will not be trusted, and there will be no one recommending investment in BCA anymore," he cautioned.

He further explained that BCA, Indonesia's largest private lender, has made significant contributions to the national economy, citing its strong credit growth, extensive support for businesses, substantial tax payments, and superior performance compared to other banks.

Reassurance from Danantara

Didik expressed relief after the takeover narrative was dismissed by Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Chairman of Danantara. Didik reported that Rosan confirmed neither Danantara nor the government had plans to acquire BCA shares.

According to Didik, this reassurance is crucial to fend off rent-seekers who are pushing these narratives. He asserted that the state's role should be to foster a healthy market and encourage strong business growth. "Not the other way around: entering the market, interfering without reason, and then ruining it," he said.

The push for BCA takeover

Previously, the National Awakening Party (PKB) had publicly supported President Prabowo Subianto in taking over 51% of Bank BCA's shares, which are currently held by the Djarum Group. The PKB considered this a vital step to save the country's finances related to the Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) scandal.

This was conveyed by Ahmad Iman Syukri, Head of the Communication and Information Technology Division of the PKB Central Executive Board, in a written statement published on various online news portals.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2042254/bca-takeover-narrative-could-disrupt-banking-system-says-exper