The inevitability of risk in projects or businesses is a pivotal aspect for stakeholders to identify and manage to ensure the project’s success. This was the central theme of a guest lecture on “Financial Management” at the Executive MBA ITB class presented by Prof. Dr. Techn. Ir. Danang Parikesit, M.Sc., IPU., ASEAN.Eng. Danang, a professor of transportation planning at the Faculty of Engineering, Gajah Mada University, and the former Head of the Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT) under the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, shared his expertise on Saturday (17/2).
The lecture, which was attended by students and corporate participants from Hutama Karya and Semen Padang, focused on “Financial Risk Management”. The aim was to equip students with practical insights into mitigating financial risks, drawing on the extensive experience of a seasoned professional in managing strategic projects within Indonesia. In his lecture, “Financial Risk Management in Infrastructure Investment: Toll Road Case Study,” Professor Danang highlighted the importance of financial risk management in infrastructure investments, focusing on toll roads. He discussed key strategies for managing growth, identifying investment needs and project risks, and emphasized the critical nature of financial management.
Professor Danang pointed out that infrastructure projects, like toll road constructions, demand substantial funding and entail long investment periods, making financial risk management imperative. He underscored the government’s role as the primary risk bearer in these national strategic projects, which includes overseeing infrastructure development, land acquisition, and subsequent management.
“Constructing a toll road is a strategic project that demands significant funding and a lengthy investment period, thereby necessitating heightened financial risk management,” Professor Danang stated. He mentioned that such conditions compel the BPJT to devise innovative financial solutions.
The lecture sparked a lively discussion on managing financial risks in projects, with students inquiring about specific challenges Professor Danang encountered during toll road construction. These sessions with practitioners deepen students’ business understanding and serve as a platform for fostering connections between academia and industry, enhancing students’ competencies to navigate future business and industrial challenges.
