In 2011, GlobeAsia—today rebranded as the Jakarta Globe—released its authoritative ranking of Indonesia’s 150 wealthiest individuals. The list captured the remarkable growth of the nation’s business landscape, spotlighting leaders who have shaped industries from energy to banking. Below is a closer look at the top 50, starting with the country’s most influential tycoons.
1. Eka Tjipta Widjaja – $12 Billion
Founder of the Sinar Mas Group, Eka Tjipta Widjaja transformed his modest beginnings into one of Indonesia’s largest conglomerates. His empire spans plantations, pulp and paper, mining, property, and banking, cementing his family as one of the most powerful dynasties in the nation.
2. Budi Hartono & Michael Hartono – $11.5 Billion
The Hartono brothers, owners of Djarum, Indonesia’s iconic cigarette brand, also hold major shares in Bank Central Asia. Their diversified interests in banking and electronics have solidified their reputation as pillars of modern Indonesian industry.
3. Anthony Salim – $8 Billion
At the helm of the Salim Group and First Pacific, Anthony Salim oversees vast holdings in food, telecommunications, plantations, and manufacturing. His strategic leadership ensures the Salim name remains at the forefront of Indonesia’s economy.
4. Martua Sitorus – $4 Billion
As co-founder of Wilmar International, Martua Sitorus is a dominant figure in global agribusiness. His ventures in commodities and plantations have made him one of Southeast Asia’s most successful entrepreneurs.
5. Aburizal Bakrie – $3.8 Billion
Businessman and politician Aburizal Bakrie leads the Bakrie Group, with expansive interests in coal, plantations, property, and infrastructure. His reach extends beyond corporate influence, shaping national development and policy.
6. Dato Low Tuck Kwong – $3.7 Billion
The founder of Bayan Resources, Low Tuck Kwong is a major player in Indonesia’s coal industry. His operational expertise and bold investments have positioned Bayan as a top energy company.
7. Putra Sampoerna – $2.5 Billion
Through Sampoerna Strategic, Putra Sampoerna continues his family’s legacy, with ventures in plantations and digital investments. The Sampoerna name remains a powerful force in Indonesia’s business circles.
8. Sukanto Tanoto – $2 Billion
As chairman of Royal Golden Eagle, Sukanto Tanoto has built a global empire in pulp, paper, plantations, and energy. His focus on sustainable practices has earned him recognition both at home and abroad.
9. Peter Sondakh – $1.9 Billion
Peter Sondakh’s Rajawali Group is active in investments and mining. His keen eye for opportunity has made him one of Indonesia’s most respected business leaders.
10. Susilo Wonowidjojo – $1.9 Billion
At the helm of Gudang Garam, Susilo Wonowidjojo oversees one of the nation’s largest cigarette manufacturers. His leadership continues to drive the company’s growth and market dominance.
Other Notable Wealth Leaders
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Samin Tan – $1.8 Billion | Driving force behind Borneo Lumbung Energy and Metals.
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Theodore P. Rachmat – $1.7 Billion | Founder of Triputra Group, influential in coal and plantations.
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Kiki Barki – $1.6 Billion | Leader of Tanito Harum Group in coal mining.
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William Katuari – $1.45 Billion | Head of Wings Group, known for consumer goods and chemicals.
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Mochtar Riady – $1.3 Billion | Founder of Lippo Group, spanning property, finance, and retail.
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Edwin Soeryadjaya – $1.25 Billion | A key figure in Adaro and Saratoga Capital.
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Tahir – $1.15 Billion | Mayapada Banking Group leader, with interests in retail and property.
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Sri Prakash Lohia – $1.15 Billion | Founder of Indorama, a global textile and petrochemical giant.
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Teddy Thohir & Garibaldi Thohir – $1.1 Billion | Strong presence in coal mining via Adaro Energy.
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Murdaya Poo & Siti Hartati Murdaya – $1.1 Billion | Leaders of Central Cipta Murdaya, with power and property ventures.
The Mid-Rank Titans
From Prajogo Pangestu of Barito Pacific ($1.05B) to Aksa Makhmud of Bosowa Corporation ($750M), these business icons represent the breadth of Indonesia’s economy—from energy and petrochemicals to property and infrastructure.
Emerging Giants and Industry Innovators
The list also includes visionaries such as:
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Harry Tanoesoedibjo ($710M), founder of Bhakti Investama and Global Mediacom.
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Rusdi Kirana ($660M), founder of Lion Air Group, reshaping Indonesia’s aviation sector.
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Sandiaga Uno ($645M), investor and co-founder of Saratoga, now a prominent political and business leader.
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Jakob Oetama ($605M), founder of Kompas Gramedia, a media powerhouse.
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Eddy Sariaatmadja ($550M), media mogul with interests in SCTV, ICT, and beyond.
Conclusion
The 2011 GlobeAsia Rich List (now Jakarta Globe) not only highlighted personal fortunes but also reflected the story of Indonesia’s economic rise. From traditional industries like tobacco, coal, and property to modern investments in media, banking, and aviation, these 50 individuals shaped—and continue to shape—the nation’s growth.
Their legacies are more than just wealth; they embody resilience, vision, and leadership, setting the stage for Indonesia’s place in the global economy.
