ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesia, through Danantara CEO Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, has announced an ambitious plan to establish the Danantara Trust, a philanthropic body aimed at strengthening empowerment programs in education and healthcare. Notably, Rosan has extended an invitation to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to collaborate on this initiative.
At a press conference held at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, following a meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and Bill Gates, Rosan explained that the Danantara Trust will be funded by allocating 1% to 2.5% of Danantara’s annual dividends.
“We’ve run the numbers, and at the outset, we will commit US$100 million. Over the next 5–6 years, the potential funds we can channel into the Danantara Trust Fund could reach US$1 billion,” Rosan stated.
Rosan emphasized that the funds within the Danantara Trust will be dedicated to programs that deliver direct benefits to communities. The priority areas include education, healthcare, and social empowerment.
“We have already discussed this collaboration plan with the Gates Foundation. Our hope is that they will co-invest alongside us,” explained Rosan, who also serves as Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry.
In addition to Rosan, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has also encouraged Bill Gates’ involvement in this philanthropic project. He suggested that the Danantara Trust has the potential to mirror Singapore’s Temasek Trust.
“We hope Mr. Bill can serve on the Danantara Trust board of trustees, alongside global figures like Ray Dalio, who is also your partner on China’s education philanthropy board,” Budi remarked.
Budi expressed confidence that Bill Gates’ participation will boost international trust in Danantara Trust and attract greater contributions from various stakeholders.
Rosan added that communications with Bill Gates’ team have been progressing intensively. On Tuesday, May 6, the official proposal for collaboration was submitted. During a follow-up meeting at the Merdeka Palace on Wednesday morning, both parties agreed to form working teams to explore the plan in detail.
“The Gates team has appointed two representatives—Ms. Pipa and Mr. Jamal from Seattle—as well as one representative from Singapore. We will continue technical discussions with them,” Rosan confirmed.
The establishment of the Danantara Trust marks a significant step for Indonesia in positioning itself as an active player in global philanthropy. A collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is expected to act as a catalyst for accelerating sustainable social impact regionally and internationally. (AT Network)
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