HAJI ISAM: DARI RAJA BATU BARA HINGGA OLIGARKI KALSEL | Eps 109

Summary

The transcript covers the powerful influence of Andi Syamsudin Arsyad (Haji Isam) in South Kalimantan, focusing on his rise from a truck driver to a business tycoon in coal mining and palm oil. It highlights his extensive business empire, political connections, and significant charitable efforts, such as funding pilgrimages and donations. Despite his public persona as a philanthropist, Haji Isam is also linked to numerous controversies, including allegations of corruption, environmental violations, and criminal activities. His family's involvement in politics further strengthens his dominance in the region, blending business with power.

Takeaways

• 😀 Haji Isam, also known as Andi Syamsudin Arsyad, is a powerful businessman in South Kalimantan, with vast holdings in coal, palm oil, and other sectors.
• 😀 Haji Isam started from humble beginnings as a truck driver and logger before building a business empire spanning mining, ports, transportation, plantations, and security services.
• 😀 His business expansion began with a partnership with Johan Maulana, a Chinese coal miner from Surabaya, in the 2000s, eventually leading to the founding of his own companies.
• 😀 The Isam family's companies hold vast land concessions, including over 30,000 hectares for palm oil plantations and 17,730 hectares for forest management.
• 😀 Haji Isam's children, Liana Saputri and Joni Saputra, hold significant shares in several of his companies, with their wealth reaching over 5 trillion IDR at a young age.
• 😀 Besides his business ventures, Haji Isam has been involved in politics, serving as a key supporter of political campaigns, including those of Jokowi in 2019.
• 😀 He is known for his philanthropy, funding religious and educational initiatives, including sponsoring 870 people for Umrah in 2022.
• 😀 Haji Isam's influence extends beyond business, as his companies employ over 60,000 people and have received praise from the government, including a visit from President Joko Widodo in 2021.
• 😀 Despite his success, Haji Isam’s businesses have been marred by allegations of corruption, land disputes, environmental crimes, and even involvement in a murder case in 2004.
• 😀 Haji Isam maintains close ties with high-ranking police officers and local politicians, which has helped him avoid legal repercussions and maintain his power in South Kalimantan.

Q & A

Who is Andi Syamsudin Arsyad, also known as Haji Isam?

Andi Syamsudin Arsyad, or Haji Isam, is a prominent businessman from South Kalimantan, primarily known for his ventures in coal mining and palm oil. His business empire spans several sectors, including mining, port operations, transportation, agriculture, and security services.

What are the main business sectors Haji Isam is involved in?

Haji Isam's business interests include coal mining, palm oil plantations, port operations, transportation, agriculture, livestock, infrastructure, and security services.

How did Haji Isam start his career before becoming a successful entrepreneur?

Haji Isam's career began humbly, working as a truck driver for wood transport, a tree cutter, and even a motorcycle taxi driver. His breakthrough in business came after he met Johan Maulana, a coal miner from Surabaya, in the 2000s.

What role did Johan Maulana play in Haji Isam's business journey?

Johan Maulana, a Chinese coal miner from Surabaya, played a key role in Haji Isam's career by helping him enter the mining industry, starting with contracting mining operations for PT Arutmin Indonesia, a subsidiary of Bumi Resources.

How much land do Haji Isam's companies control for palm oil plantations?

Haji Isam's companies control over 30,000 hectares of land for palm oil plantations in South Kalimantan, with additional land allocated for timber and forest utilization.

What is the significance of Haji Isam's philanthropic efforts?

Haji Isam is known for his philanthropy, including sending over 870 residents of Tanah Bumbu for free umrah and distributing hundreds of billions in charity for education, healthcare, and religious organizations through the Haji Isam Foundation.

What are some of the controversies surrounding Haji Isam?

Haji Isam has been involved in several controversies, including accusations of land grabbing, criminalizing journalists, and being linked to a 2004 murder case. Additionally, his companies have faced legal issues related to environmental violations and corruption allegations.

How has Haji Isam maintained his influence despite controversies?

Haji Isam has maintained strong influence due to his close relationships with political figures and law enforcement. He has been linked to various political campaigns and has provided financial support to politicians in South Kalimantan.

What role did Haji Isam play in South Kalimantan's politics?

Haji Isam played a significant role in South Kalimantan's political landscape by supporting political campaigns, including funding his uncle Sabirin Noor’s gubernatorial campaign. He also had influence over local political figures, helping secure positions for his family members.

What is the current political and business landscape in South Kalimantan regarding Haji Isam's influence?

Currently, South Kalimantan is led by a network of political figures and businesspeople connected to Haji Isam. His family members hold key political positions, such as in the provincial legislature and local government, further cementing his influence in both business and politics.