The imposition of strict regulations for directors of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) is seen as a positive development for Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (BPI Danantara) for they will allow the agency to sharpen its focus on performance and integrity.

Wijayanto Samirin, an economist at Paramadina University, praised the policy outlined by Danantara’s Chief Operating Officer, Dony Oskaria, during the Executive Breakfast Meeting hosted by the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Communication (IKA Fikom) at Padjadjaran University on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. He described it as a necessary and commendable initiative.

“Besides encouraging work efficiency and effectiveness, this also sends a very positive signal to the business community and the public,” Wijayanto said.

During the event, Dony revealed five key prohibitions directed at SOE directors: they must not owe personal favors, cannot be pressured by external parties in performing their duties, are forbidden from playing golf during work hours as it creates a negative public image, may not have an excessive number of personal aides, and must ensure that their spouses do not interfere with company affairs.

Dony emphasized that neither he nor Danantara would tolerate directors spending work hours playing golf, as it reflects not just personal misconduct but a broader failure in upholding the moral responsibility of maintaining SOE professionalism.

He also stressed that SOE directors should avoid employing too many assistants and that their spouses must stay out of office matters.

“I also don’t want directors’ wives to get involved in things like office decorations or events − this is not a family business,” he said.

Anti-corruption advocate and former investigator at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Lakso Anindito, also lent his support. He believes these prohibitions are crucial steps in reforming SOEs and preventing the misuse of public resources in ways that breach integrity.

“It’s essential to strengthen anti-corruption commitments through systematic approaches − like consistently applying the business judgement rule − which are increasingly urgent,” Lakso said.

Public communication expert at Padjadjaran University, Dadang Rahmat Hidayat, views Dony’s approach as an effort to build strong public trust. As Deputy Minister of SOEs and a key figure in Danantara, Dony carries the responsibility of overseeing major reform agendas.

“In my view, this is about showing professionalism, because trust is the core of any state-owned business institution. Once that trust is lost, it’s gone − and trust is maintained or lost through communication, especially when certain behaviors create negative perceptions,” Dadang said.

Previously at the IKA Fikom Unpad event, Dony reiterated the importance of maintaining a professional and disciplined demeanor among SOE directors. He believes that such fundamental behaviors directly shape workplace culture.

Responding to Dony’s remarks, IKA Fikom Unpad Chairman Hendri Satrio noted that Dony conveyed many positive points about Danantara. He believes the policies reflect Dony’s understanding of President Prabowo Subianto’s broader reform agenda.