The New Asia Forum (NAF) 2026 has set an ambitious target of mobilizing US$30 billion in investment across the New Asia region, aiming to transform investor interest into concrete commitments and measurable outcomes. Scheduled for 3–4 December 2026 in Bali, Indonesia, the forum is held under the patronage of President Prabowo Subianto and counts Danantara Indonesia as a founding partner. The announcement, made via Media OutReach Newswire, signals a push to accelerate investment execution in a region that already drives nearly 60% of global economic growth.
The significance of the US$30 billion target lies in its focus on action over dialogue. Unlike traditional economic conferences, NAF 2026 is structured as an action-oriented platform that seeks to translate investment interest into bankable financing structures, preliminary agreements, and clearly defined implementation milestones. This transaction-focused approach could help bridge the gap between long-term international capital and the region’s investment potential, which remains underallocated despite Asia’s dominant share of global growth.
Pahala Nugraha Mansury, Managing Director of Global Relations & Communications at Danantara Indonesia, emphasized the strategic rationale: “Our focus is on encouraging long-term capital to recognize the many investment opportunities across Asian countries, because this is precisely where the center of gravity for growth lies. This will enable growth at scale, anchored by ASEAN and driven by Indonesia as the largest country in ASEAN.” His comments underscore Indonesia’s ambition to leverage its economic weight to attract sustained foreign investment.
The forum expects to convene more than 1,000 global leaders, over 100 speakers, and more than 40 sessions involving sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, development finance institutions, multinational corporations, and government representatives. Notable speakers include Masayoshi Son of SoftBank Group, Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, Kathleen Quirk of Freeport-McMoRan, Matteo Renzi, former Prime Minister of Italy, and Israfil Mammadov of Azerbaijan’s State Oil Fund. The high-profile lineup signals serious intent to move capital flows toward the region.
A two-day structure separates discovery from execution: the first day focuses on investment opportunities, feasibility, and transaction structures, while the second advances capital commitments, strategic partnerships, and implementation milestones. Eight priority sectors anchor the discussions: strategic resources and downstreaming; energy and power; advanced mobility and manufacturing; digital infrastructure and AI; food and agribusiness; trade and connectivity; tourism and creative economy; and education and human capital. These sectors align with Indonesia’s economic priorities and regional integration goals.
As a founding partner, Danantara Indonesia will act as a co-investor alongside global partners, reinforcing Indonesia’s role in regional economic transformation. The forum’s commitment to tracking investment progress across subsequent editions adds an accountability mechanism that could enhance its credibility and long-term impact. If successful, NAF 2026 could mark a shift in how Asia attracts and deploys long-term capital, with Indonesia positioning itself as a gateway for regional growth.
