In 2011, GlobeAsia—which has since been rebranded as the Jakarta Globe—released its authoritative list of the 150 wealthiest Indonesians. The ranking captured the nation’s rapidly evolving business environment and highlighted the powerful individuals who continue to shape its economy.
Below is a curated look at the top 50 names from that year’s ranking, showcasing entrepreneurs, visionaries, and corporate leaders whose influence has extended far beyond business into the fabric of Indonesian society.
The Leading Five
1. Eka Tjipta Widjaja – $12 Billion
Founder of the Sinar Mas Group, Eka Tjipta Widjaja created a vast conglomerate spanning plantations, pulp and paper, mining, property, and banking. Rising from humble beginnings, his relentless drive established one of Indonesia’s most enduring and influential business dynasties.
2. Budi Hartono & Michael Hartono – $11.5 Billion
The Hartono brothers built their fortune through Djarum, Indonesia’s renowned cigarette brand, and hold significant stakes in Bank Central Asia (BCA). Their ventures in electronics and finance cemented their reputation as pillars of Indonesian commerce.
3. Anthony Salim – $8 Billion
At the helm of the Salim Group and First Pacific, Anthony Salim oversees expansive interests in food, plantations, telecommunications, and industry. His strategic foresight has ensured the Salim family’s continued prominence in Indonesia’s corporate world.
4. Martua Sitorus – $4 Billion
As co-founder of Wilmar International, Martua Sitorus became a key figure in global agribusiness. His expertise in plantations and commodities made him one of Southeast Asia’s most successful entrepreneurs.
5. Aburizal Bakrie – $3.8 Billion
Leading the Bakrie Group, Aburizal Bakrie expanded into coal mining, plantations, infrastructure, and property. Beyond business, he has also played a significant role in Indonesia’s political landscape, shaping policies and national development.
Other Prominent Figures in the Top 50
Dato Low Tuck Kwong – $3.7B | Founder of Bayan Resources, a leader in coal mining.
Putra Sampoerna – $2.5B | Steering Sampoerna Strategic, with interests in plantations and digital ventures.
Sukanto Tanoto – $2B | Head of Royal Golden Eagle, recognized for sustainable pulp, paper, and energy ventures.
Peter Sondakh – $1.9B | Driving Rajawali Group, with diversified investments in mining and beyond.
Susilo Wonowidjojo – $1.9B | Leader of Gudang Garam, one of Indonesia’s cigarette giants.
Samin Tan – $1.8B | A mining magnate through Borneo Lumbung Energy and Metals.
Theodore P. Rachmat – $1.7B | Founder of Triputra Group and stakeholder in Adaro.
Kiki Barki – $1.6B | Head of Tanito Harum Group, a coal industry heavyweight.
William Katuari – $1.45B | Steering the Wings Group, known for consumer goods and chemicals.
Mochtar Riady – $1.3B | Founder of Lippo Group, with businesses in banking, property, and healthcare.
(…and continuing down the list through all 50 names, from Edwin Soeryadjaya ($1.25B) to Eddy Sariaatmadja ($550M), each playing a critical role in industries ranging from energy, plantations, and property to finance, pharmaceuticals, and media.)
The Legacy of Indonesia’s Wealth Builders
This 2011 ranking not only celebrated extraordinary financial success but also reflected Indonesia’s resilience and adaptability in a changing global economy. The leaders featured—whether in agribusiness, finance, property, or media—have built empires that continue to influence the country’s growth.
From Eka Tjipta Widjaja’s Sinar Mas legacy to Anthony Salim’s diversified empire, and from the Hartono brothers’ financial dominance to entrepreneurs like Sandiaga Uno and Rusdi Kirana, these names embody ambition, vision, and leadership.
The Jakarta Globe Rich List 2011 remains an important snapshot of how Indonesia’s business elite not only amassed wealth but also steered the nation’s development into the modern era.
