PRIME NEWS POST 

The INDONESIAN (Jakarta) – Global geopolitical dynamics, fluctuations in energy prices, and rapid developments in digital technologies such as cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence (AI) are shaping a new global economic landscape. This situation is viewed not merely as a crisis, but as a major test for the resilience of the world economy, as well as an opportunity for nations to innovate and strengthen solidarity.

This perspective was put forward by David Darmawan, President Director of PT Betawi Global Korporatindo, founder of Socentix, former President Director of PT Redland Asia Capital Tbk (IDX: PLAS), and also Chairman of the Betawi Bangkit Community Organization.

In his economic reflection, which was also published on the Kompasiana platform, David assessed that the period of March 4–11, 2026, was one of the most decisive weeks in global economic dynamics. During that week, the world faced heightened geopolitical pressures, a surge in energy prices, and sharp market volatility.

“These events show that global power is not only determined by money and military strength, but also by science, technological innovation, and human solidarity,” said David.

According to him, escalating geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East once sparked global concern after a military operation known as Operation Epic Fury triggered heightened tensions in the Gulf region. This situation posed a threat to the world’s strategic energy route through the Strait of Hormuz, which has long served as a distribution channel for nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies.

Market concerns were immediately reflected in a surge in Brent crude oil prices, which briefly exceeded USD 114 per barrel, reigniting fears of a global energy crisis.

Technology Changes the Logic of Conflict

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, David also highlighted developments in modern defense technology that are deemed capable of transforming the logic of global conflict.

One innovation that has drawn attention is the HELIOS defense laser system, which can destroy drones at a significantly lower operational cost compared to conventional missile systems.

“Previously, low-cost drones could force adversaries to use missiles worth millions of dollars, but now laser technology enables defense at a cost of only around 50 cents per shot. This is a highly significant mathematical shift in modern warfare strategy,” he explained.

David stated that this phenomenon offers an important lesson for Indonesia: technological innovation can turn resource limitations into strategic strength.

Signs of Global Economic Slowdown

At the same time, the United States – the world’s largest economic powerhouse – is also showing signs of slowdown.

Latest employment data showed a decline of approximately 92,000 jobs in February, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.4 percent. Nonetheless, inflationary pressures remain relatively controlled at an annual rate of around 2.4 percent.

This creates new challenges for global policymakers, as economic growth begins to slow while inflation has not yet fully subsided.

“Such a situation demands very careful economic policy, as the world is in a phase of global economic transition,” said David.

Resilience of Digital Assets

Amid this uncertainty, the digital asset market has shown interesting developments.

Bitcoin prices briefly touched the USD 71,000 level before stabilizing around USD 70,059, demonstrating greater resilience compared to previous cycles.

David assessed that Bitcoin is now starting to show characteristics as a scarce digital commodity, with limited supply but growing demand.

“More and more global financial institutions are beginning to view Bitcoin as an alternative store of value. This signals that the digital asset ecosystem is entering a phase of maturity,” he said.

In addition, he highlighted the growing phenomenon of tokenization of real-world assets, where various instruments such as stocks, bonds, and real estate are being migrated to blockchain-based systems.

AI Becomes a New Growth Engine

Beyond crypto and blockchain, the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has also emerged as one of the main drivers of global economic growth.

The surge in demand for AI infrastructure – including data centers, computing chips, and high-performance servers – was even reported to have increased by up to 243 percent in one year by a leading global technology company.

“The world is entering a new era where artificial intelligence will be the ‘new electricity’ for the global economy,” said David.

Momentum for Indonesia’s Rise

From a national perspective, David assessed that these major global changes should serve as momentum for Indonesia to strengthen its national economic foundation.

He emphasized the importance of five strategic steps for Indonesia:

1. Protecting people’s purchasing power, especially during periods of energy price surges.
2. Reducing dependence on imported energy by accelerating renewable energy development and domestic energy innovation.
3. Encouraging national technological innovation so that Indonesia becomes not just a market, but also a technology producer.
4. Developing a healthy and regulated blockchain and digital asset ecosystem.
5. Reviving the spirit of economic mutual cooperation (gotong royong) across the nation.

According to him, Indonesia’s strength lies not only in its natural resources, but also in its social cohesion and national unity.

“From Aceh to Papua, from Islamic boarding schools to technology campuses – all are part of Indonesia’s large family. While the world is divided by conflict, Indonesia possesses a rare strength: unity in diversity,” he stated.

Optimism for the Future

David stressed that the current global storm is not the end of the world economy’s journey, but rather a test that can serve as a starting point for renewal.

“A great nation is not one that never falls, but one that always rises stronger each time it is tested,” he said.

He called on all elements of the nation to face global changes with courage, knowledge, innovation, and a spirit of brotherhood.

“If we unite, innovate, and uphold moral and spiritual values, Indonesia will not only be able to weather the global storm, but also has the potential to become one of the world’s major economic powers,” he concluded.

Author:
David Darmawan
President Director of PT Betawi Global Korporatindo
Founder of Socentix
Former President Director of PT Redland Asia Capital Tbk (IDX: PLAS)
Chairman of the Betawi Bangkit Community Organization