Facts about the 9 Dragons Conglomerate that Ruling Indonesia's Economy

Summary

The transcript discusses the mysterious 'Nine Dragons' in Indonesia, a term used to describe powerful figures who reportedly control the country's economy, politics, and law. It introduces key individuals linked to this group, including Robert Budi Hartono, Antoni Salim, Tahir, James Riyadi, and others. The video explores their vast business empires, political influence, and connections to past political leaders. These figures are seen as extremely wealthy and influential, shaping both Indonesia's economy and its political landscape, often with little public knowledge of their activities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'Sembilan Naga' (Nine Dragons) refers to influential figures in Indonesia's economy who are believed to control politics and laws.
• 😀 Robert Budi Hartono, co-owner of the Djarum group and major shareholder in BCA, is one of the Nine Dragons. He also faced a financial loss due to the PSBB restrictions in Indonesia.
• 😀 Jaob Sutoyo is another member of the Nine Dragons, known for his strong lobbying networks and facilitating meetings between Indonesian leaders and foreign diplomats.
• 😀 Antoni Salim, a key figure in the Salim Group, controls major businesses like Indofood, Indomaret, and Sari Roti. His family's businesses have deep ties with the Soeharto regime.
• 😀 Dato Sri Tahir, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, has significant wealth and political connections, including his role as an advisor to the Indonesian president.
• 😀 James Riyadi, a real estate and business mogul, is linked to the Nine Dragons and has been involved in controversial political donations, including a major fine in the U.S. for illegal foreign campaign contributions.
• 😀 Tommy Winata, a businessman involved in banking, property, and infrastructure, is also mentioned as part of the Nine Dragons. His connections with military figures helped his business thrive.
• 😀 Sofian Wanandi, an influential entrepreneur and political figure, is recognized for his leadership in the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and his significant political and economic experience.
• 😀 Edward Suryajaya, an heir to Astra International, is part of the Nine Dragons and has faced several controversies, including financial difficulties and involvement in the Pertamina pension fund scandal.
• 😀 The Nine Dragons are considered highly powerful and controversial figures with significant influence over Indonesia’s economy, politics, and legal systems.

Q & A

Who is Robert Budi Hartono and what is his business involvement?

Robert Budi Hartono is a prominent Indonesian businessman, known as the second son of the founders of the tobacco company, Jarum. He is also the largest shareholder of Bank Central Asia (BCA) and involved in various industries such as palm oil and electronics, including the Polytron brand. His total wealth is estimated at $23.7 billion.

What is the significance of the term 'Sembilan Naga' in relation to Indonesian economy?

The term 'Sembilan Naga' refers to a group of influential individuals in Indonesia who are said to control the economy, law, and politics of the country. While their identities and exact number are not certain, they are often linked to significant power in business and government sectors.

Why did Robert Budi Hartono write a letter to President Jokowi?

Robert Budi Hartono wrote a letter to President Jokowi to protest the impact of the PSBB (Large-Scale Social Restrictions) on his wealth, which had decreased by 20.1% or approximately Rp1.5 trillion.

Who is Jaob Sutoyo, and what role does he play in Indonesian business?

Jaob Sutoyo is a lesser-known figure who is the President Director of PT Gesit Saran Perkasa, a company involved in elite hotel construction. Though not widely known, he is influential in international lobbying, having facilitated closed-door meetings between President Jokowi and foreign diplomats.

What role does Antoni Salim play in the Indonesian business landscape?

Antoni Salim is a key figure in the Salim Group, which owns major businesses like Indofood, Sari Roti, and Indomaret. His family's ties to former President Suharto are significant, with the family’s business interests protected during his regime.

How did Dato Sri Tahir rise to prominence in business and politics?

Dato Sri Tahir is a successful businessman and philanthropist, founder of the Mayapada Group. His wealth is estimated at Rp3 trillion. He also has political ties, serving as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council and has connections to the Lipo Group through marriage.

Who is James Riyadi and what is his business involvement?

James Riyadi is a prominent Indonesian businessman involved in real estate, retail, hospitality, telecommunications, and other sectors through his company, Lipo Group. His political influence extends beyond Indonesia, with notable involvement in U.S. politics, despite legal issues over foreign campaign donations.

What is the controversy surrounding James Riyadi's involvement in U.S. politics?

James Riyadi's involvement in U.S. politics came under scrutiny when Lipo Group donated $70,000 to the Democratic Party during Bill Clinton's campaign, violating U.S. laws that prohibit foreign funds in political campaigns. This resulted in a large fine and controversy.

What role does Tommy Winata play in Indonesia's business scene?

Tommy Winata is the owner of the Artha Graha Group, which operates in banking, property, and infrastructure. He is also known for his philanthropic work but has been labeled a 'business mafia' due to his close relationships with many politicians and generals.

Who is Sofian Wanandi and what is his business background?

Sofian Wanandi is an influential Chinese-Indonesian entrepreneur and former activist, known for his business group Gemala, now called Santini Group. He has extensive experience in economics, politics, and bureaucracy, and has held leadership roles in various business associations.