On February 6, 2026, Jakarta hosted the second day of the 25th International Capital Market Seminar (ICMSS), an annual forum focused on improving financial literacy among young Indonesians. This year’s discussions centered on a topic gaining renewed attention: the role of bullion banks and digital platforms in strengthening Indonesia’s financial system amid global uncertainty.
Organized by Indonesia Capital Market Student Studies (ICMSS), the seminar reflects the group’s long-standing mission to connect academic knowledge with real-world market practices. Guided by its core values—Professionalism, Family, and Elegance (PROFGAN)—ICMSS runs programs such as investment training, international seminars, and equity research forums aimed at preparing students for Indonesia’s evolving capital market.
Why Bullion Banks Matter Beyond Gold
One of the key sessions, “Bullion Banks: A Strategic Initiative for Indonesia’s Economic Strengthening,” brought together industry figures including Sandra Sunanto (CEO of PT Hartadinata Abadi Tbk), Samahari Gumawan (Head of PVML Development Directorate), and Ferdian Timur Satyagraha (CFO & CSO of PT Pegadaian).
The discussion focused on how a stronger bullion banking ecosystem could support Indonesia’s economy. Speakers highlighted the need for clear regulations, better integration of gold into the financial system, and stronger links between upstream mining and downstream financial products. These steps, they argued, could deepen domestic markets and reduce reliance on external financial channels.
Bullion banks play a practical role by providing liquidity, transparent pricing, and secure storage for precious metals. For Indonesia—both a gold-producing country and a nation with growing retail investment interest—this infrastructure could change how people save and invest.
Why Gold Still Holds Appeal in an Uncertain World
Samahari Gumawan emphasized that gold remains relevant, especially for younger investors facing inflation, currency volatility, and global geopolitical risk. Rather than positioning gold as a speculative asset, he described it as a long-term option that complements other investments.
He stressed the importance of understanding gold products in detail, from how they are bought and stored to how they fit individual financial goals. Without proper knowledge, interest in gold can easily turn into poor decision-making.
Digital Platforms Open the Door to Everyday Investors
Digitalization has become a major driver of growth in Indonesia’s retail gold market. Online platforms now allow investors to buy gold in small denominations, lowering entry barriers that once limited participation to higher-income groups.
However, speakers also warned that convenience must be balanced with security. Digital platforms need strong risk management and cybersecurity measures to protect users. The seminar’s final session, presented by Sim Invest, demonstrated how digital tools can simplify gold investment while maintaining safeguards—offering participants a practical look at how technology is reshaping the market.
Staying Rational in a Social-Media-Driven Market
A recurring message throughout the session was caution against FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Gumawan reminded young investors that following trends without proper analysis often leads to losses, especially in volatile markets like gold.
He encouraged participants to prioritize education and use only credible, regulated sellers. In this context, bullion banks were presented as part of the solution, offering standardized products and transparent pricing that reduce the risk of misinformation or fraud.
What a Strong Bullion System Means for Investors
Speakers outlined several benefits of a functioning bullion banking system. Greater liquidity allows investors to buy and sell gold more easily. Transparent pricing reduces confusion and price gaps between sellers. Broader access helps bring gold investment to more segments of society. Secure storage also shifts gold from being a passive asset kept at home into one managed professionally within the financial system.
Together, these factors support Indonesia’s broader goal of financial inclusion while strengthening domestic market infrastructure.
Why Gold Still Matters in a Fragmented Global Economy
The seminar’s overarching theme—“The Diverged Trajectory: Reinstating Sovereignty Through Global Disparity”—placed gold investment within a larger global context. As economic power shifts and global systems become more fragmented, countries like Indonesia are exploring ways to build financial resilience from within.
Gold, as an asset that retains value across borders and political systems, plays a strategic role in this effort. Developing domestic bullion banking capacity gives Indonesia more control over how its resources and savings circulate within the economy.
What Comes Next for Young Investors
The 25th ICMSS highlighted a clear takeaway: technology and alternative assets like gold are opening new opportunities, but education remains essential. For Indonesia’s young investors, understanding risk, regulation, and long-term strategy matters as much as access to digital platforms.
By bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers, ICMSS continues to serve as a bridge between theory and practice. As global uncertainty persists, forums like this help ensure that Indonesia’s next generation of investors is better prepared to make informed, responsible financial decisions.
