Jakarta, February 3, 2026 – The Indonesian Business Council (IBC) officially commenced the Indonesia Economic Summit (IES) 2026 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta, on February 3–4, 2026. The annual economic forum brings together government leaders, business executives, global investors, academics, and international organizations from 53 countries to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and drive Indonesia’s economic transformation and enhance its competitiveness amid global dynamics.
Carrying the theme “Coming Together to Boost Resilient Growth and Shared Prosperity”, IES 2026 is designed as a strategic dialogue platform and a collaborative forum that bridges policy direction, business interests, and investment opportunities. The summit underscores Indonesia’s position as a pillar of regional economic stability and a key partner in global value chains, amid global economic uncertainty, geopolitical fragmentation, and structural transformation pressures.
Investment as the New Engine of Growth
At IES 2026, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Airlangga Hartarto; Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg; and President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), Abdullah Saleh Kamel, discussed the role of investment as a new driver of growth, including opportunities for Kalimantan to emerge as a regional economic growth center.
The leaders emphasized strengthening value-added industries, accelerating infrastructure development, and enhancing regional and global connectivity to drive faster investment inflows and ensure effective project execution. They also highlighted the need for cross-border collaboration to strengthen value chains and ensure economic transformation proceeds more consistently and effectively.
In his keynote address, Minister Airlangga stated that amid escalating global geopolitical tensions, Indonesia positions itself as a middle power that maintains balance through strategic diplomacy, diversified economic partnerships, and ASEAN leadership. The government is strengthening economic resilience through investments in renewable energy, value-added manufacturing, and advanced technologies, while promoting digital transformation, job creation, and public welfare in line with the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.
“The current global landscape is shaped by power rather than ideology, requiring balance and responsible leadership. Indonesia, as a middle power, maintains neutrality while strengthening its economy through diplomacy, trade, and regional cooperation. Economic resilience must translate into tangible welfare gains, with a focus on services, value-added manufacturing, renewable energy, and advanced technologies. Regional collaboration, particularly in next-generation semiconductors, is critical to supporting sustainable growth and a stable multilateral system,” said Airlangga.
Aligning Perspectives, Strengthening Economic Resilience
Chair of the Board of Trustees of IBC, Arsjad Rasjid, emphasized that amid global uncertainty, Indonesia possesses strong strategic capital through its long-standing free and active foreign policy principle. This position is further reinforced by President Prabowo Subianto’s proactive global engagement in building cross-regional relationships and expanding partnerships through various international platforms. Such positioning provides Indonesia with strategic flexibility and strong credibility in an increasingly fragmented world—yet it should not be taken for granted.
In this context, close collaboration between the government and the business sector, along with consistent policy execution, is essential to ensure that diplomatic capital translates into tangible economic benefits.
“Resilient growth requires not only policy and capital, but more importantly, alignment of vision, leadership, and consistent execution. Through IBC’s three pillars, certainty, capability, and capital, we strive to ensure regulatory clarity, institutional capacity, and access to quality capital so that investment opportunities can truly materialize into real projects. The presence of our international partners today demonstrates that the world is ready to work more closely with Indonesia; now is not the time to merely talk, but to deliver results,” said Arsjad.
At the same time, IBC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sofyan Djalil underscored the critical role of the business sector in driving quality investment, productivity enhancement, and structural reforms to achieve sustainable economic growth. “IES 2026 reflects the business community’s commitment to playing an active role in advancing Indonesia’s globally competitive and sustainable economic growth. This forum is designed as a catalyst for strategic investment, cross-border partnerships, and sustained collaboration that can strengthen Indonesia’s position in global value chains,” said Sofyan.
Day One: Cross-Sector Strategic Dialogue
On the first day, IES 2026 featured a series of speakers from the Indonesian government and business community who are actively involved in shaping national policy direction, including Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa; Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Development of the Republic of Indonesia, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono; and Special Envoy of the President of Indonesia for International Trade and Multilateral Cooperation and Vice Chair of the National Economic Council, Mari Elka Pangestu.
International speakers included Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development of Canada (2018-2025), Mary Ng; Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Nicholas Moore; Chief Economist of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Erik Berglöf; and Danantara Advisor, Champan Taylor. They engaged in discussions with industry leaders and global investors to accelerate investment inflows, strengthen project execution, and complete necessary structural reforms, turning opportunities into tangible outcomes.
Discussions covered national economic policy direction, strategies to attract long-term investment, industrial transformation, global competitiveness, green economy development, and human capital development. Speakers highlighted the importance of structural reforms, digital transformation, and Indonesia’s deeper integration into global supply chains to create a more competitive and productive business environment.
Accelerating Growth, Strengthening Indonesia’s Global Position
Through a series of strategic dialogues, global networking, and action-oriented platforms, the Indonesia Economic Summit 2026 is expected to serve as a catalyst for accelerating national economic growth while reinforcing Indonesia’s position as a key center for growth and investment in the region.
“Indonesia Economic Summit 2026 is a moment to align vision and ignite action. Growth must be accompanied by equity. Shared prosperity remains a challenge that we must continue to confront together. Only through inclusive growth can Indonesia’s resurgence truly deliver benefits to all segments of society,” Arsjad concluded.