Jember University (Unej) economist Adhitya Wardhono said Indonesia must be able to attract global investment at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos because it is attended by world leaders and global economic actors.
President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to give a keynote speech at the WEF in Davos, Switzerland, which is attended by around 3,000 participants from nearly 130 countries reflecting diverse cross-sector and cross-regional perspectives with the WEF theme "A Spirit of Dialogue".
"The WEF is a golden stage to attract global investment, and President Prabowo must take advantage of it," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, January 21.
According to him, that moment is an opportunity to promote developing sectors, such as green energy and digital technology.
With more than 270 million people and a growing middle class, Indonesia's domestic market is a major attraction for investors.
"In addition, Indonesia is rich in natural resources, which can be used for infrastructure cooperation and renewable energy. Through the downstreaming of natural resources, Indonesia can strengthen the domestic economy and reduce dependence on imports," he said.
Based on BKPM data, the realization of foreign direct investment (FDI) reached IDR 900.9 trillion in 2025, with technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors being the mainstays.
He said Indonesia should use the moment to show off and not just a mere ceremonial event, but a strategic opportunity to strengthen Indonesia's position on the world stage and also ensure the global economic compass in the future.
"Especially in a world full of uncertainty, Indonesia must actively take a role, not just wait. Even though the theme of this WEF seems to signal that the world is entering a new era where crucial issues such as trade, finance, and technology are used as tools to influence each other," he said.
The Unej Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) lecturer explained that global instability, such as wars and geopolitical fragmentation, requires strong diplomacy and international cooperation, so that Indonesia, with its strategic position, can become a mediator in global economic conflicts.
"Through the WEF, Indonesia must strengthen its position as in the G20 and WTO, making the country a bridge connecting developed and developing countries to encourage free trade and inclusive economic development," he said.
WEF is an important moment to show Indonesia as a major player in Southeast Asia.
As the largest economy in ASEAN, with a GDP of almost 1.44 trillion US dollars in 2025 (IMF projection), Indonesia has great potential to become a strategic partner.
"For this reason, Indonesia must be more than just participation, President Prabowo must highlight Indonesia as a solution to global tensions, whether in energy, trade, or economic diplomacy," he said.
Adhitya said Indonesia must also be a bridge to a global crisis solution. With the global energy crisis getting hotter and the world's focus shifting to sustainability, Indonesia can become a leader in the energy transition.
As a country with the world's largest geothermal reserves reaching 24 Giga Watt (GW) or 40 percent of the world's geothermal reserves, Indonesia has a golden opportunity to become a major player in renewable energy.
"Indonesia must use the WEF to show our readiness to provide sustainable solutions, while reducing dependence on fossil energy," he said.
Through the WEF, he continued, Indonesia must emphasize that the digital sector will be the main driver in increasing economic efficiency, opening up new jobs, and accelerating financial inclusion.
"Indonesia's digital economy is expected to reach 130 billion US dollars by 2030. Digitalization is not just a trend, it is the key to Indonesia's economic growth," said the monetary expert.
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