In 2011, GlobeAsia, which has since been rebranded as the Jakarta Globe, unveiled its definitive ranking of the 150 richest Indonesians. The list reflected the nation’s vibrant and rapidly expanding business environment. From this collection, here are the top 50 names, featuring entrepreneurs and visionaries who have played a defining role in shaping Indonesia’s modern economy.

1. Eka Tjipta Widjaja – $12 Billion

Founder of the Sinar Mas Group, Eka Tjipta Widjaja rose from modest beginnings to establish a powerful conglomerate spanning plantations, pulp and paper, mining, real estate, and banking. His name remains synonymous with one of Indonesia’s most enduring business dynasties.

2. Budi Hartono & Michael Hartono – $11.5 Billion

The Hartono brothers are best known for leading Djarum, Indonesia’s iconic cigarette company, while also holding major stakes in Bank Central Asia. Their ventures in banking and technology have secured their reputation as industry giants.

3. Anthony Salim – $8 Billion

At the helm of the Salim Group and First Pacific, Anthony Salim oversees businesses in food, plantations, telecommunications, and infrastructure. His leadership has ensured the Salim family’s long-standing influence in Indonesia’s corporate sector.

4. Martua Sitorus – $4 Billion

As co-founder of Wilmar International, Martua Sitorus has become a dominant figure in agribusiness. His role in commodities and plantations has established him as one of Southeast Asia’s most accomplished entrepreneurs.

5. Aburizal Bakrie – $3.8 Billion

Head of the Bakrie Group, Aburizal Bakrie is a notable figure in both business and politics. With interests in coal mining, plantations, infrastructure, and property, his influence stretches beyond industry into national development.

6. Dato Low Tuck Kwong – $3.7 Billion

Founder of Bayan Resources, Low Tuck Kwong has built one of Indonesia’s leading coal mining enterprises. His investments and management expertise have made him a dominant figure in the energy sector.

7. Putra Sampoerna – $2.5 Billion

Leading Sampoerna Strategic, Putra Sampoerna has extended his family’s legacy in plantations and diversified into online ventures. The Sampoerna name continues to be a fixture in Indonesia’s business community.

8. Sukanto Tanoto – $2 Billion

As the driving force behind Royal Golden Eagle, Sukanto Tanoto has built an international enterprise in pulp and paper, energy, and plantations. His focus on sustainability has earned him recognition at home and abroad.

9. Peter Sondakh – $1.9 Billion

Through the Rajawali Group, Peter Sondakh has made his mark in mining and diversified investments. His ability to spot new opportunities has cemented his status as a top Indonesian investor.

10. Susilo Wonowidjojo – $1.9 Billion

Leader of Gudang Garam, Susilo Wonowidjojo has expanded the cigarette manufacturer into one of Indonesia’s most dominant tobacco companies, continuing its legacy of market leadership.

11–50: Other Major Names in Indonesia’s Business Elite

The rich list continues with influential figures across industries, from energy and property to consumer goods and finance:

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

• Theodore P. Rachmat – $1.7B (Triputra Group, Adaro)

• Kiki Barki – $1.6B (Tanito Harum Group)

• William Katuari – $1.45B (Wings Group)

• Mochtar Riady – $1.3B (Lippo Group)

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

• Tahir – $1.15B (Mayapada Banking Group)

• Sri Prakash Lohia – $1.15B (Indorama)

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

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

• Prajogo Pangestu – $1.05B (Barito Pacific)

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

• Hashim Djojohadikusumo – $910M (Tirtamas Group)

• Chairul Tanjung – $900M (CT Corp, Bank Mega)

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

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

• Ciputra – $790M (Ciputra Group)

• Boenjamin Setiawan – $770M (Kalbe Farma)

• Sjamsul Nursalim – $760M (Gajah Tunggal)

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

• Aksa Makhmud – $750M (Bosowa Corporation)

• Harry Tanoesoedibjo – $710M (Bhakti Investama, Global Mediacom)

• Suryadi Darmadi – $680M (Duta Palma Nusantara)

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

• Rusdi Kirana – $660M (Lion Group)

• Sugianto Kesuma – $650M (Agung Sedayu, Bank Artha Graha)

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

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

• Surjadinata Sumantri – $625M (Renaissance Capital, Borneo Lumbung)

• Hariyanto Adikoesomo – $620M (AKR Corporindo)

• Jogi Hendra Atmaja – $610M (Mayora Group)

• Jakob Oetama – $605M (Kompas Gramedia)

• Gunawan Jusuf – $600M (Sugar Group)

• Husain Djojonegoro – $580M (ABC/Orang Tua Group)

• Osbert Lyman – $575M (Lyman Group)

• Tommy Winata – $570M (Artha Graha Group)

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

• Bachtiar Karim – $555M (Musim Mas)

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

• Eddy Sariaatmadja – $550M (SCTV, media & ICT investments)

Conclusion

The 2011 Jakarta Globe Rich List showcased how Indonesia’s leading tycoons built vast empires across plantations, tobacco, banking, property, coal mining, and consumer goods. These 50 wealth leaders not only represent financial success but also illustrate how vision and adaptability can shape both industries and the nation’s economy.