Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – The discourse of appointing former presidents as supervisors in the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (Danantara) has sparked sharp criticism. Researcher from Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) Yassar Aulia considers that the step would be a disaster for the professionalism and meritocracy within the state-owned superholding company.
"If the plan is realized, good governance and good corporate governance will remain mere dreams for the superholding," said Yassar when contacted on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
According to him, the pattern of position placement within state-owned enterprises (BUMN) has often been problematic, tending to accommodate political interests. The appointment scheme, especially for commissioners, is often used as a political barter or a way to repay favors to those who have contributed to the political process and election victory.
"For state-owned enterprises in general, there have been many records revealing that the appointment scheme often tends to accommodate purely political barter," he said.
This condition, Yassar continued, will be exacerbated by the reduction of the authority of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) in auditing Danantara's financial reports. Currently, BPK can only conduct Specific Objective Examination (PDTT) after obtaining approval from the House of Representatives. This is considered to hinder transparency and accountability in the management of the superholding's finances.
With these various notes, ICW emphasizes that this discourse has the potential to erode good governance principles within Danantara. Criticism of this plan is expected to continue to emerge as the role and authority of the super holding BUMN in the national economy grow.
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto invited all former Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia, such as the 5th President of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri, the 6th President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), and the 7th President of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to participate in overseeing Danantara.
"Danantara is the future energy force, and this must be safeguarded collectively. Therefore, I ask all former Presidents before me to consent to become supervisors in this fund," said Prabowo in a political speech at the anniversary of Gerindra Party in Bogor, West Java, on February 15, 2025.
Prabowo also asked religious organizations, such as Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, and the Indonesia's Communion of Churches (KWI), to participate in overseeing the management of the nation's wealth funds in Danantara.
– Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to the writing of this article.