In 2011, GlobeAsia—which has since rebranded as the Jakarta Globe—released its definitive compilation of the 150 richest Indonesians, offering a glimpse into the nation’s evolving business landscape. Among them, the top 50 names stand out as visionary entrepreneurs, resilient leaders, and influential figures whose decisions have shaped Indonesia’s economic direction.
Below is a highlight of these remarkable individuals, starting with the top five, whose legacies remain deeply rooted in the nation’s corporate history.
1. Eka Tjipta Widjaja – Net Worth: $12 Billion
Founder of the Sinar Mas Group, Eka Tjipta Widjaja rose from humble beginnings to build one of Indonesia’s most powerful business empires. His conglomerate spans plantations, pulp and paper, mining, property, and banking. His journey represents not only extraordinary determination but also the foundation of one of Indonesia’s most influential business dynasties.
2. Budi Hartono & Michael Hartono – Net Worth: $11.5 Billion
The Hartono brothers, best known for their stewardship of Djarum, Indonesia’s iconic cigarette brand, are also key stakeholders in Bank Central Asia (BCA). Beyond tobacco, their investments in electronics and banking have solidified their place as industrial giants in the Indonesian economy.
3. Anthony Salim – Net Worth: $8 Billion
At the helm of the Salim Group and First Pacific, Anthony Salim oversees vast interests in food production, telecommunications, plantations, and manufacturing. His ability to adapt and innovate has ensured the family’s continued dominance in Indonesia’s corporate sphere.
4. Martua Sitorus – Net Worth: $4 Billion
Co-founder of Wilmar International, Martua Sitorus is one of the most influential figures in global agribusiness. With expertise in plantations and commodities, he has become a leading force in Southeast Asia’s agriculture and food industries.
5. Aburizal Bakrie – Net Worth: $3.8 Billion
Balancing both business and politics, Aburizal Bakrie leads the Bakrie Group, with diversified interests in coal mining, infrastructure, property, and plantations. His influence extends beyond corporate boardrooms, reaching into national policymaking and development.
Other Prominent Names on the List
The rest of the Top 50 features a mix of seasoned tycoons and emerging entrepreneurs who have driven Indonesia’s growth across industries such as energy, property, finance, consumer goods, and telecommunications.
Dato Low Tuck Kwong ($3.7B): Founder of Bayan Resources, a dominant player in coal mining.
Putra Sampoerna ($2.5B): Leader of Sampoerna Strategic, expanding beyond the family’s legacy in tobacco into plantations and online ventures.
Sukanto Tanoto ($2B): Founder of Royal Golden Eagle, with a strong global presence in pulp and paper, plantations, and energy.
Peter Sondakh ($1.9B): Visionary leader of the Rajawali Group, known for strategic investments in mining and diversified businesses.
Susilo Wonowidjojo ($1.9B): Driving force behind Gudang Garam, one of Indonesia’s cigarette giants.
Further down the list are names like Theodore P. Rachmat (Triputra Group), Mochtar Riady (Lippo Group), Chairul Tanjung (CT Corp), Ciputra (Ciputra Group), and Harry Tanoesoedibjo (Bhakti Investama & Global Mediacom)—all of whom have left indelible marks on Indonesia’s corporate landscape.
From pioneers in property like Trihatma K. Haliman and Aksa Makhmud, to innovators in pharmaceuticals like Boenjamin Setiawan (Kalbe Farma), and aviation leaders such as Rusdi Kirana (Lion Group), the diversity of industries represented in this list highlights Indonesia’s dynamic and resilient economy.
A Legacy of Vision and Enterprise
The 2011 Jakarta Globe Rich List not only spotlighted the immense wealth accumulated by Indonesia’s business elites but also reflected the broader economic transformation the country was undergoing at the time. These leaders harnessed opportunities in natural resources, consumer demand, and infrastructure development, positioning Indonesia as a rising economic powerhouse.
More than just numbers, their stories are about resilience, adaptability, and vision—qualities that continue to inspire future generations of Indonesian entrepreneurs.
