Indonesian Election: List of Big Businesspeople from Prabowo's Camp, There are Mining, Palm Oil & Startup Bosses

Mytips.id, NEWS - In a stunning turn of events, Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka have emerged as the frontrunners in the preliminary calculations of the KPU Real Count, solidifying their positions as potential winners of the upcoming 2024 presidential election in Indonesia. With this promising development, Prabowo is now poised to take over the reins of leadership in the country.

Prabowo himself has expressed his intention to continue several programs that were initiated under the administration of Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi. One such major program is the ambitious relocation of the capital city and the development of the Nusantara National Capital Integrated Coastal Area (IKN). 

This news brings relief to numerous entrepreneurs who support Prabowo and have ongoing projects in the IKN, as they can now proceed with their construction activities unimpeded.

Let us take a closer look at some of the entrepreneurs who lend their support to Prabowo-Gibran in the 2024 presidential election and are involved in the IKN initiative.

First on the list is Aburizal Bakrie

A prominent figure from the mighty Bakrie Group business empire and an active participant in Indonesian politics. In the upcoming presidential election, he holds the position of Advisory Board Chairman for Prabowo-Gibran's National Campaign Team (TKN). 

One of Bakrie's subsidiary companies, Bakrie Center Foundation (BCF), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the IKN. The primary focus of this collaboration is to enhance access to education and improve its quality in Nusantara, spanning from primary to higher levels. Moreover, BCF is committed to supporting research initiatives and increasing community participation in service activities.

Next on the list is Boy Thohir

A prominent businessman, and the owner of PT Adaro Energy Indonesia Tbk (Adaro). Boy has openly pledged his support for Prabowo-Gibran, and his involvement in the IKN project led by Agung Sedayu Group's boss, Sugianto Kusuma, has been widely acknowledged. An Instagram post by Maruarar Sirait showcased Boy Thohir, Aguan, Prajogo Pangestu, Frangky Wijadja, and Maruarar himself having a dinner gathering to discuss the progress of the IKN project. As part of their efforts, they are currently constructing a five-star hotel named Hotel Nusantara in the new capital city.

Maruarar Sirait

 affectionately known as Ara, is also an entrepreneur and politician who has thrown his full support behind Prabowo-Gibran. After resigning from the PDI-Perjuangan party, he joined Gerindra. His involvement in the IKN project became evident through the aforementioned dinner gathering, where he mentioned that they are all investors, including himself, Mr Prajogo, Mr Frangky, Mr Aguan, Mr Boy, and several other entrepreneurs. Ara revealed that they have visited the IKN twice, in August and September, during one of which President Joko Widodo participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. The construction work has progressed at an impressive pace, with the building already reaching the fifth floor, out of the planned eight floors. The Nusantara Hotel aims to be fully operational by August next year, ahead of schedule.

Bayu Priawan Djokosoetono

The President Commissioner of Blue Bird, serves as the Treasurer of Prabowo-Gibran's National Campaign Team (TKN). Blue Bird, under Bayu's leadership, is investing in environmentally friendly transportation systems within the IKN.

In a speech aired on the President's Secretariat YouTube channel, Jokowi expressed his enthusiasm for Blue Bird Group's eco-friendly transportation initiative, which involves a substantial investment of IDR 250 billion. This investment is expected to accelerate the development of electric-based public transportation systems in the IKN, aligning with its vision of becoming a sustainable and green area. The investment by Blue Bird includes procuring electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) for urban transportation, electric taxis, electric rental cars, and establishing bus routes from Balikpapan to IKN Nusantara.

Apart from these individuals, a number of other business figures are lending their support to Prabowo-Gibran's victory in the presidential election:

- Hatta Rajasa, a politician with a noteworthy presence in the oil and gas and mining sectors through his businesses PT Arthindo, PT Arthasia Cipta Pratama, and PT Arthadaya Coalindo.

- Hashim Djojohadikusumo, an entrepreneur and owner of Arsari Group, with diverse interests in agriculture, energy, mining, and other natural resource-based industries.

- The nephew of Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, Pandu Patira Sjahrir, an entrepreneur involved in venture capital investments in Indonesian startups. He also holds important positions in well-known local startups and serves as a commissioner at the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI).

- Putri Kuswisnu Wardani, a cosmetics entrepreneur and head of PT Mustika Ratu Tbk (MRAT).

- Erwin Aksa, following in his father's footsteps, has become a prominent national businessman through his involvement in the Bosowa Group and active management in various sectors through the Recapital Group.

- Theo Sambuaga, who previously served as the President Commissioner of companies under the Lippo Group, such as PT Lippo Cikarang Tbk (LPCK), PT Multipolar Tbk (MLPL), and PT Matahari Putra Prima Tbk (MPPA).

- Totok Lusida, Chairman of the Expert Council of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) and Chairman of the Real Estate Indonesia (REI), despite his background in the pharmaceutical industry.

These entrepreneurs and business figures form a formidable coalition in support of Prabowo-Gibran's bid for the presidency in 2024. Their involvement in the IKN project further strengthens the prospects for continued progress and development in the new capital city.

Source: Jakarrta Herald and CNBC