Trump and Prabowo Head to Davos as Indonesia Pushes Investment Diplomacy at WEF 2026
Key Takeaways
|
JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto and United States President Donald Trump attend the World Economic Forum on Monday, Jan 19, 2026 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland as global leaders gather to address escalating geopolitical tension, economic disruption, and weakening multilateralism, a convergence expected to influence global investment and policy direction. Indonesia uses the five day forum to reinforce its position as a long term investment destination amid fragile global growth.
Trump’s presence has drawn particular attention as it comes amid controversial U.S. foreign policy moves in recent weeks, including military operations in Venezuela and renewed rhetoric on Greenland. These actions have intensified debate over global stability and the post World War II international order.
The 56th annual World Economic Forum runs from Monday, Jan 19, 2026 to Friday, Jan 23, 2026 under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” focusing on geopolitics, economic transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. More than 60 heads of state and government, including Prabowo, are scheduled to attend.
World Economic Forum President and CEO Borge Brende said dialogue has become an urgent necessity rather than a choice. He said Davos 2026 is positioned as a strategic forum to rethink international cooperation as geo economic and technological shifts accelerate.
Trump is set to lead the largest U.S. delegation ever to Davos, comprising five cabinet ministers and senior officials. He is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and G7 leaders to discuss post war security guarantees for Ukraine, while Washington launches “USA House” for the first time as a hub for economic diplomacy and investment engagement.
For Indonesia, Prabowo’s attendance carries strategic importance beyond global discourse. The government is using Davos to promote Indonesia Incorporated, a coordinated approach involving the state, national asset managers, and the private sector to strengthen competitiveness and attract global capital.
Investment Minister and Head of BKPM Rosan Roeslani said Indonesia’s participation in WEF Davos 2026 was part of a consistent economic diplomacy strategy rather than a one off initiative. He said the delegation included the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming, BKPM, Danantara Indonesia, and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“WEF is certainly a very good momentum for Indonesia to convey our national narrative and future plans to the global community, including newly issued policies and regulations, as a message that Indonesia continues to move forward,” Rosan said, as quoted from Antara.
Rosan said Indonesia positioned itself as a constructive and solution oriented dialogue partner under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.” He said the government aimed to offer economic stability, policy certainty, and competitive long term investment opportunities as the foundation for stronger global competitiveness.
A key focus of Indonesia’s agenda is the introduction of Danantara, a newly established national investment management entity projected to play a central role in attracting global capital and supporting sustainable development. Indonesia is also hosting an Indonesia Pavilion themed “Indonesia Endless Horizons” and an Indonesia Night event as part of its integrated investment promotion strategy.
The forum takes place amid fragile global economic conditions despite resilience driven by artificial intelligence investment. Global growth in 2026 is projected at around 3.1 percent, with rising global debt, protectionism, and trade barriers continuing to cloud the medium term outlook.
Artificial intelligence is another major theme, with technology leaders expected to debate productivity gains and labor market disruption. Concerns that AI could displace millions of white collar jobs have heightened the urgency of reskilling and human capital investment.
WEF 2026 also marks a leadership transition following the departure of founder Klaus Schwab in 2025. Interim leadership is held by Larry Fink of BlackRock and Andre Hoffmann of Roche as the forum navigates skepticism toward free trade and global cooperation.
With nearly 3,000 participants from more than 130 countries, Davos 2026 reflects a world at a crossroads. Rising geopolitical tension contrasts with efforts by leaders, including Trump and Prabowo, to sustain dialogue and redefine global cooperation in an era of disruption.