Indonesia’s Wealth Leaders: The Top 50 from the Jakarta Globe Rich List 2011

In 2011, GlobeAsia, which has since been rebranded as the Jakarta Globe, released its highly anticipated list of the 150 richest Indonesians, capturing the dynamic growth of the nation’s business landscape. Among them, the top 50 wealthiest individuals stand out for their influence, resilience, and remarkable contributions to Indonesia’s economy. These leaders have shaped industries ranging from plantations and mining to telecommunications, property, and finance.

Below is a closer look at the top 50 business tycoons who dominated the Jakarta Globe Rich List in 2011.

1. Eka Tjipta Widjaja – $12 Billion

Founder of Sinar Mas Group, Eka Tjipta Widjaja built a diversified empire spanning plantations, pulp and paper, property, banking, and mining. Rising from humble beginnings, he established one of the most powerful family business dynasties in Indonesia.

2. Budi Hartono & Michael Hartono – $11.5 Billion

The Hartono brothers, owners of Djarum (Indonesia’s iconic cigarette brand) and major stakeholders in Bank Central Asia, are influential figures in both tobacco and finance. Their ventures in electronics and banking further cement their status as industrial powerhouses.

3. Anthony Salim – $8 Billion

At the helm of the Salim Group and First Pacific, Anthony Salim manages vast holdings in food, telecommunications, plantations, and industry. His sharp strategic vision has ensured the Salim family’s continued dominance in the corporate sector.

4. Martua Sitorus – $4 Billion

As co-founder of Wilmar International, Martua Sitorus plays a central role in global agribusiness. His expertise in commodities and plantations has earned him recognition as one of Southeast Asia’s most successful entrepreneurs.

5. Aburizal Bakrie – $3.8 Billion

Head of the Bakrie Group, Aburizal Bakrie is a towering figure in both business and politics. His ventures span coal mining, plantations, infrastructure, and property, while his political career has also shaped national policy.

6. Dato Low Tuck Kwong – $3.7 Billion

Founder of Bayan Resources, Dato Low Tuck Kwong has become a key name in Indonesia’s coal mining sector. His leadership and investments have positioned Bayan as one of the country’s leading energy companies.

7. Putra Sampoerna – $2.5 Billion

Best known for Sampoerna Strategic, Putra Sampoerna has invested in plantations and digital ventures. His family’s legacy in the tobacco industry and diversified investments continue to play an influential role in Indonesia.

8. Sukanto Tanoto – $2 Billion

Leading Royal Golden Eagle, Sukanto Tanoto oversees operations in pulp and paper, plantations, and energy. His emphasis on sustainability has earned him international recognition.

9. Peter Sondakh – $1.9 Billion

Chairman of the Rajawali Group, Peter Sondakh has built a reputation for sharp investments across mining and diversified industries, making him one of Indonesia’s most strategic investors.

10. Susilo Wonowidjojo – $1.9 Billion

At the forefront of Gudang Garam, Susilo Wonowidjojo expanded the company into one of the largest cigarette manufacturers in Indonesia, ensuring its dominance in the market.

11–50: The Other Titans of Industry

From here, the list includes a remarkable mix of entrepreneurs, industrialists, and visionaries who continue to impact Indonesia’s growth:

Samin Tan ($1.8B) – Mining giant through Borneo Lumbung Energy.
Theodore P. Rachmat ($1.7B) – Founder of Triputra Group and major player in Adaro.
Kiki Barki ($1.6B) – Leader of Tanito Harum Group, specializing in coal mining.
William Katuari ($1.45B) – Head of Wings Group in consumer goods.
Mochtar Riady ($1.3B) – Visionary founder of Lippo Group.
Edwin Soeryadjaya ($1.25B) – Influential investor through Saratoga and Adaro.
Tahir ($1.15B) – Mayapada Group founder with interests in banking and property.
Sri Prakash Lohia ($1.15B) – Founder of Indorama, global leader in textiles.
Thohir Family ($1.1B) – Coal mining and energy investments through Adaro.
Murdaya Poo & Siti Hartati ($1.1B) – Leaders of Central Cipta Murdaya, property and power.
Prajogo Pangestu ($1.05B) – Petrochemical magnate at Barito Pacific.
Agus L. Sudwikatmono ($980M) – Mining and investment through Indika Energy.
Hashim Djojohadikusumo ($910M) – Oil, petrochemicals, and plantations.
Chairul Tanjung ($900M) – Founder of CT Corp, with media, banking, and retail dominance.
Mu’min Ali Gunawan ($880M) – Panin Group banking tycoon.
Panigoro Brothers ($860M) – Founders of Medco International in energy.
Ciputra ($790M) – Legendary property developer.
Boenjamin Setiawan ($770M) – Founder of Kalbe Farma, the largest pharma company.
Sjamsul Nursalim ($760M) – Gajah Tunggal Group in tires and property.
Trihatma K. Haliman ($750M) – Agung Podomoro, property development leader.
Aksa Makhmud ($750M) – Bosowa Corporation in cement and energy.
Harry Tanoesoedibjo ($710M) – Multimedia investor and founder of Global Mediacom.
Suryadi Darmadi ($680M) – Palm oil plantations via Duta Palma Nusantara.
Wiwoho B. Tjokronegoro ($680M) – Coal mining under Indika Energy.
Rusdi Kirana ($660M) – Founder of Lion Air Group.
Sugianto Kesuma ($650M) – Property and banking with Agung Sedayu and Bank Artha Graha.
Martias & Tjiliandra Fangiono ($650M) – First Resources plantation group.
Sandiaga Uno ($645M) – Investor and co-founder of Saratoga and Recapital.
Surjadinata Sumantri ($625M) – Private equity investor with Renaissance Capital.
Hariyanto Adikoesomo ($620M) – Oil trading and chemicals via AKR Corporindo.
Jogi Hendra Atmaja ($610M) – Founder of Mayora Group, food and biscuits.
Jakob Oetama ($605M) – Founder of Kompas Gramedia, media and publishing giant.
Gunawan Jusuf ($600M) – Sugar Group leader in plantations and bioenergy.
Husain Djojonegoro ($580M) – Head of ABC/Orang Tua Group.
Osbert Lyman ($575M) – Lyman Group, active in property and timber.
Tommy Winata ($570M) – Artha Graha Group, spanning banking and hospitality.
Tahija Family ($560M) – Austindo Nusantara Jaya in natural resources.
Bachtiar Karim ($555M) – Musim Mas, a major palm oil plantation company.
Angkosubroto Family ($550M) – Gunung Sewu Group in plantations and insurance.
Eddy Sariaatmadja ($550M) – Media mogul behind SCTV and ICT investments.

Conclusion

The Jakarta Globe Rich List 2011 reflects Indonesia’s extraordinary mix of entrepreneurial talent, legacy business empires, and innovative investments. These 50 individuals and families not only accumulated significant wealth but also shaped industries and created opportunities across the nation. Their resilience, vision, and leadership remain a powerful influence on Indonesia’s economy today.