In 2011, GlobeAsia—later rebranded as the Jakarta Globe—released its definitive ranking of the 150 wealthiest Indonesians. This annual rich list reflected the country’s rapidly evolving economy and the powerful figures driving its growth. From visionary entrepreneurs to influential political leaders, these individuals shaped industries that continue to define Indonesia today. Below is a closer look at the top 50, starting with the first five names that dominated the list.

1. Eka Tjipta Widjaja – $12 Billion

Founder of the Sinar Mas Group, Eka Tjipta Widjaja built a diverse empire spanning plantations, pulp and paper, mining, property, and banking. Rising from modest beginnings, he created one of Indonesia’s most influential business dynasties through sheer determination and vision.

2. Budi Hartono & Michael Hartono – $11.5 Billion

The Hartono brothers are synonymous with Djarum, one of Indonesia’s most iconic cigarette brands. Beyond tobacco, their strategic stake in Bank Central Asia and ventures in electronics have secured their reputation as industrial powerhouses.

3. Anthony Salim – $8 Billion

As the leader of the Salim Group and First Pacific, Anthony Salim oversees vast businesses in food, plantations, telecommunications, and manufacturing. His leadership continues to keep the Salim family at the forefront of Indonesian enterprise.

4. Martua Sitorus – $4 Billion

Co-founder of Wilmar International, Martua Sitorus is a key player in global agribusiness. His expertise in plantations and commodities has cemented his reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most successful entrepreneurs.

5. Aburizal Bakrie – $3.8 Billion

Aburizal Bakrie, head of the Bakrie Group, is as prominent in politics as he is in business. With interests in coal mining, plantations, infrastructure, and property, his influence has shaped both Indonesia’s economy and its policies.

6. Dato Low Tuck Kwong – $3.7 Billion

Founder of Bayan Resources, Dato Low Tuck Kwong is a dominant figure in Indonesia’s coal mining sector. His operational expertise has turned Bayan into one of the nation’s most significant energy companies.

7. Putra Sampoerna – $2.5 Billion

Best known through Sampoerna Strategic, Putra Sampoerna has investments in plantations and digital ventures. The Sampoerna legacy in tobacco and diversification remains a cornerstone of Indonesian business.

8. Sukanto Tanoto – $2 Billion

At the helm of Royal Golden Eagle, Sukanto Tanoto has built a multinational presence in pulp and paper, plantations, and energy. His dedication to sustainable practices has earned recognition both locally and abroad.

9. Peter Sondakh – $1.9 Billion

Leading the Rajawali Group, Peter Sondakh has developed wide-ranging interests in mining and investment. Known for spotting lucrative opportunities, he remains a major player in Indonesia’s corporate world.

10. Susilo Wonowidjojo – $1.9 Billion

As the head of Gudang Garam, Susilo Wonowidjojo has grown the company into one of Indonesia’s largest cigarette producers, ensuring its market leadership through consistent expansion.

11–50: Other Prominent Names

The list continues with influential figures across industries:

• Samin Tan ($1.8B) – Borneo Lumbung Energy and Metals.

• Theodore P. Rachmat ($1.7B) – Triputra Group, coal and plantations.

• Kiki Barki ($1.6B) – Tanito Harum Group, coal mining.

• William Katuari ($1.45B) – Wings Group, consumer goods.

• Mochtar Riady ($1.3B) – Lippo Group, banking and property.

• Edwin Soeryadjaya ($1.25B) – Saratoga, Adaro coal mining.

• Tahir ($1.15B) – Mayapada Group, banking and property.

• Sri Prakash Lohia ($1.15B) – Indorama, textiles and petrochemicals.

• Teddy & Garibaldi Thohir ($1.1B) – Adaro Energy, investments.

• Murdaya Poo & Siti Hartati Murdaya ($1.1B) – Central Cipta Murdaya.

• Prajogo Pangestu ($1.05B) – Barito Pacific, petrochemicals.

• Agus L. Sudwikatmono ($980M) – Indika Energy, coal mining.

• Hashim Djojohadikusumo ($910M) – Tirtamas Group.

• Chairul Tanjung ($900M) – CT Corp, banking, media, retail.

• Mu’min Ali Gunawan ($880M) – Panin Group.

• Arifin & Hilmi Panigoro ($860M) – Medco International, energy.

• Ciputra ($790M) – Ciputra Group, property.

• Boenjamin Setiawan ($770M) – Kalbe Farma, pharmaceuticals.

• Sjamsul Nursalim ($760M) – Gajah Tunggal, tires and property.

• Trihatma K. Haliman ($750M) – Agung Podomoro, property.

• Aksa Makhmud ($750M) – Bosowa Corporation, cement and energy.

• Harry Tanoesoedibjo ($710M) – Bhakti Investama, multimedia.

• Suryadi Darmadi ($680M) – Duta Palma, plantations.

• Wiwoho B. Tjokronegoro ($680M) – Indika Energy, coal.

• Rusdi Kirana ($660M) – Lion Group, airlines.

• Sugianto Kesuma ($650M) – Agung Sedayu, banking.

• Martias & Tjiliandra Fangiono ($650M) – First Resources, plantations.

• Sandiaga Uno ($645M) – Saratoga, Recapital, private equity.

• Surjadinata Sumantri ($625M) – Renaissance Capital, mining.

• Hariyanto Adikoesomo ($620M) – AKR Corporindo, oil trading.

• Jogi Hendra Atmaja ($610M) – Mayora Group, food and biscuits.

• Jakob Oetama ($605M) – Kompas Gramedia, media and publishing.

• Gunawan Jusuf ($600M) – Sugar Group, plantations and bioenergy.

• Husain Djojonegoro ($580M) – Orang Tua Group, consumer goods.

• Osbert Lyman ($575M) – Lyman Group, property and timber.

• Tommy Winata ($570M) – Artha Graha, banking and agribusiness.

• George & Sjakon Tahija ($560M) – Austindo Nusantara Jaya.

• Bachtiar Karim ($555M) – Musim Mas, plantations.

• Hartadi & Husodo Angkosubroto ($550M) – Gunung Sewu Group.

• Eddy Sariaatmadja ($550M) – Media leader, SCTV and ICT.

Final Thoughts

The Jakarta Globe Rich List 2011 showcased the remarkable breadth of Indonesia’s business elite. From agribusiness and coal mining to finance, property, and media, these 50 individuals shaped industries that continue to influence the nation’s economy. Their stories highlight the resilience, innovation, and ambition that drive Indonesia’s position as one of Asia’s leading markets.