Indonesia’s Wealth Leaders: Top 50 from the Jakarta Globe Rich List 2011
In 2011, GlobeAsia—later rebranded as Jakarta Globe— unveiled its definitive list of the 150 wealthiest Indonesians, a snapshot of the country’s thriving business scene. From family dynasties to self-made entrepreneurs, these names represent the vision and determination that have shaped Indonesia’s economy.
Below is a highlight of the Top 50, starting with the nation’s leading business figures.
1. Eka Tjipta Widjaja
Net Worth: $12 billion
Founder of Sinar Mas Group, Eka Tjipta Widjaja rose from modest beginnings to build one of Indonesia’s most powerful business empires, spanning plantations, pulp and paper, mining, banking, and real estate. His legacy lives on as one of the nation’s most influential business dynasties.
2. Budi Hartono & Michael Hartono
Net Worth: $11.5 billion
Better known as the Hartono brothers, they dominate the market through Djarum, Indonesia’s iconic cigarette brand, and hold significant shares in Bank Central Asia (BCA). Their influence stretches into electronics and finance, making them cornerstones of modern Indonesian industry.
3. Anthony Salim
Net Worth: $8 billion
As head of the Salim Group and First Pacific, Anthony Salim controls a diverse portfolio in food, telecommunications, plantations, and manufacturing. His forward-looking strategies keep the Salim family at the forefront of Indonesia’s corporate sphere.
4. Martua Sitorus
Net Worth: $4 billion
Co-founder of Wilmar International, Martua Sitorus has established himself as a global leader in agribusiness. His expertise in plantations and commodities has positioned him among Southeast Asia’s most successful entrepreneurs.
5. Aburizal Bakrie
Net Worth: $3.8 billion
A figure straddling both business and politics, Aburizal Bakrie heads the Bakrie Group, active in coal mining, plantations, infrastructure, and property. His influence extends beyond boardrooms into national policy-making.
6. Dato Low Tuck Kwong
Net Worth: $3.7 billion
The founder of Bayan Resources, Dato Low Tuck Kwong is a heavyweight in Indonesia’s coal sector, known for his sharp investments and operational leadership.
7. Putra Sampoerna
Net Worth: $2.5 billion
A member of the prominent Sampoerna family, he manages Sampoerna Strategic, focusing on plantations and digital ventures, continuing the family’s legacy in tobacco and beyond.
8. Sukanto Tanoto
Net Worth: $2 billion
At the helm of Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), Sukanto Tanoto oversees a multinational empire in pulp, paper, energy, and plantations. His emphasis on sustainability has won global recognition.
9. Peter Sondakh
Net Worth: $1.9 billion
Through Rajawali Group, Peter Sondakh has built a strong presence in investments and mining. His strategic foresight has made him a respected name in Indonesia’s investment landscape.
10. Susilo Wonowidjojo
Net Worth: $1.9 billion
As the leader of Gudang Garam, Susilo Wonowidjojo expanded the brand into one of Indonesia’s largest cigarette producers, maintaining its dominance in the industry.
Other Notable Wealth Leaders
The remainder of the Top 50 includes influential names across banking, property, energy, consumer goods, and media. A few highlights include:
Samin Tan ($1.8B) – Mining tycoon with Borneo Lumbung Energy and Metals.
Theodore P. Rachmat ($1.7B) – Founder of Triputra Group, with strong stakes in Adaro.
Mochtar Riady ($1.3B) – Visionary founder of the Lippo Group.
Chairul Tanjung ($900M) – Media and banking mogul behind CT Corp and Bank Mega.
Ciputra ($790M) – Legendary developer and founder of the Ciputra Group.
Rusdi Kirana ($660M) – Aviation pioneer, founder of Lion Air.
Sandiaga Uno ($645M) – Investor and co-founder of Saratoga Capital, later rising to political prominence.
Eddy Sariaatmadja ($550M) – Media entrepreneur, owner of SCTV and ICT investments.
Indonesia’s Economic Landscape in 2011
This rich list of 2011 captured more than just fortunes—it reflected the sectors driving Indonesia’s economic growth: energy, banking, property, consumer goods, and media. Many of these business leaders transformed family enterprises into global players, while others carved out entirely new industries.
From pioneers like Eka Tjipta Widjaja and Ciputra to newer faces like Sandiaga Uno, the Top 50 list underscores how entrepreneurship, vision, and resilience continue to define Indonesia’s economic story.