By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

KB Bank Indonesia ("KBI"), a subsidiary of KB Kookmin Bank, held "KB Bank Economic Outlook 2026," a forum in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Nov. 27 to forecast Indonesia's economic and political landscape ahead of 2026.

The forum was held under the theme "Navigating Indonesia's Next Growth Wave: Economic Outlook and Political Landscape 2026."

Key speakers included Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC/DEN) and Special Advisor to the President; Pandu Patria Sjahrir, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of the Indonesian sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia.

KB Bank President Kunardy Darma Lie and KB Kookmin Bank Global Business Group Vice President Kang Nam-chae also attended the event, sharing global insights and explaining the role of KBI.

The Indonesian economy is expected to maintain robust growth in 2026, driven by macroeconomic stability, increased investment inflow, and a strengthened industrial base.

Participants agreed on the need to simultaneously address key challenges such as policy coordination, infrastructure expansion, human resource development, and digital transformation to address the changing global environment.

Kunaldi Darma Rie, President and CEO of KB Bank, stated, "To proactively respond to policy directions, geopolitical changes, and global investment trends, we need to shift to an 'adaptive strategy.' We will continue to expand our research-based insights and strategic dialogue to identify new growth opportunities."

Kang Nam-chae, Executive Vice President of KB Kookmin Bank's Global Business Group, stated, "We hope this forum will contribute to Indonesia's growth and advancement. We will continue to strengthen our local capabilities to adapt to the changing financial environment and drive KBI's continued growth."