Indonesia’s Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (Danantara) and technology company Thales are exploring investment opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI), defense, digital technology, and cybersecurity. The exploration is being conducted through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by both parties.
The cooperation covers several strategic areas, including defense technology manufacturing, maintenance and service facilities, airport security systems, AI application development, cybersecurity operations centers, and post-quantum technology.
Danantara Indonesia Managing Director of Strategic Technology Initiatives, CTO Office, Ricardo Irwan Rei said Indonesia has an opportunity to accelerate the development of technology-based strategic industries. According to him, these sectors could support national economic development while strengthening domestic industrial capabilities.
Ricardo said investment in advanced technology, digital capabilities, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure could create opportunities for technology transfer and generate highly skilled jobs.
The development of these technologies is also expected to strengthen national industrial capacity and support sustainable economic growth. Danantara views AI, defense, digital technology, and cybersecurity as important sectors for advancing innovation and national competitiveness.
The partnership with Thales also creates opportunities for collaboration with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) within the Danantara ecosystem. The collaboration would combine Danantara’s investment capacity with Thales’ experience and technological capabilities across various strategic sectors.
However, the MoU signed by the two parties serves only as an initial framework for cooperation. Any specific investment plans will undergo evaluation and follow applicable governance requirements. Investment implementation will also require definitive agreements between the two parties.
Thales Group Senior Vice President for Asia and Latin America Guy Bonassi said the cooperation represents Thales’ first partnership with Danantara in strategic sectors, including AI and defense.
Thales has operated in Indonesia for nearly 50 years. The company is active in several areas, including defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, and digital solutions.
In a statement, Thales said it allocates approximately 4.5 billion euros, or around Rp91.76 trillion, annually to research and development. Its research focus includes AI, cybersecurity, quantum technology, and cloud computing.
Thales currently employs more than 85,000 people across 65 countries and recorded sales of 22.1 billion euros, or approximately Rp450.64 trillion, in 2025.
Meanwhile, Danantara Indonesia has a mandate to manage and optimize government investments and state-owned enterprise assets. Through partnerships with global technology companies, Danantara is positioning strategic industry development as part of its efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s economic and technological capabilities.
Rizky Mahendra is a political and current affairs journalist at RakyatPost specializing in government policy, public affairs, and regional developments across Indonesia and Southeast Asia. With a strong interest in responsible journalism and fact-based reporting, he covers political trends, social issues, and breaking news with clarity and depth. Rizky is dedicated to delivering accurate, balanced, and reader-focused stories that help audiences better understand today’s rapidly changing world.
