Stanford University, Danantara, and the School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB), are exploring a collaboration to establish a School of Investment. This initiative has the potential to be a significant milestone in developing national investment talent to global standards.
This planned collaboration was marked by a visit by Ashby Monk, Senior Research Engineer at the School of Engineering, Stanford University, to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek). As one of the most influential figures in the field of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) and pension funds globally, Dr. Monk’s presence brings a global perspective relevant to Indonesia’s investment ecosystem development agenda.
This strategic meeting was initiated by Pandu Sjahrir, Chief Investment Officer of Danantara, and was warmly welcomed by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto. During the discussion, Minister Yuliarto emphasized the urgency of developing investment education that leverages multi-stakeholder synergy between academia, Danantara, and the government as a foundation for strengthening national capacity.
Filling the Global Void in Investment Education
In his presentation, Monk highlighted an interesting paradox: although mastering investment knowledge is a fundamental competency in building multigenerational wealth, no business school in the world comprehensively teaches investment as a core discipline. For Monk and Pandu Sjahrir, this situation presents a strategic opportunity for Indonesia to lead by establishing an investment school within a leading business school to produce investment talent with practical applications and international standards.
Minister Brian encouraged the immediate realization of this initiative. SBM ITB—represented by Prof. Donald Crestofel Lantu, Ph.D., and Prof. Deddy Priatmodjo Koesrindartoto, Ph.D.—was entrusted with the mission of developing this strategic program.
Concrete Commitment and Real Steps
Pandu Sjahrir stated Danantara’s commitment to promoting this initiative through concrete steps, including organizing the Danantara Series of Investment and sending top talents, including lecturers, to study at Stanford University. The objective is to meet the need for investment in human resources by utilizing local talent, while also creating a strong and sustainable investment education ecosystem in the country.
As a follow-up, SBM ITB, Stanford University, and Danantara are currently discussing the establishment of a School of Investment to provide world-class, industry-aligned investment education. The first concrete step agreed upon is the establishment of an investment stream within the MBA program at the ITB Jakarta campus. This program will combine three key strengths: Stanford’s academic excellence, the practical experience of Danantara and leading investment institutions in Indonesia, and the scientific expertise of SBM ITB academics. As part of this experiential learning, students will also receive internship opportunities at Danantara.
Towards National Economic Sovereignty
Prof. Donald Crestofel Lantu, Ph.D., who was appointed Head of the School of Investment Initiative, acknowledged a significant gap between what is taught in the classroom and what is needed in the field.
“Through the School of Investment, a collaboration between SBM ITB, Stanford, and Danantara, we will develop a curriculum that is practical, globally relevant, and grounded in real-world experience. Our goal is to enable Indonesia to manage its strategic assets independently, without relying on foreign talent. This initiative is not merely an educational program; it is a crucial part of our nation’s agenda for economic sovereignty,” he stated.
This collaboration between three parties is anticipated to be a significant milestone in establishing a center of excellence for investment education in Indonesia. It will also reinforce SBM ITB’s role in the global business education ecosystem. This initiative aims to develop a generation of investment professionals who are not only technically skilled but also have a long-term vision for sustainably managing both institutional and national wealth. This effort represents a meaningful contribution to the future of the Indonesian economy.
