There are several prominent business figures playing key roles in the campaign teams of Indonesian presidential candidates. Arsjad Rasjid, the chairman of KADIN, Indonesia’s largest business association, is leading Ganjar Pranowo’s campaign. Rosan Roeslani, a businessman and former Indonesian ambassador to the United States, is heading Prabowo’s team. Thomas (Tom) Lembong, a former minister of trade, is a key member of Anies Baswedan’s team. The involvement of business leaders in politics is not new, with figures like Jusuf Kalla, Surya Paloh, and Hasyim Djoyohadikusomo having played significant roles in political parties in the past.
The current scenario is unique in that figures like Arsjad, Rosan, and Tom are independent businessmen with stakes in publicly listed companies, rather than being affiliated with any political party. Other younger business figures like Erick Thohir and Sandiaga Uno are involved with political parties, but their participation is more behind closed doors. Business operations in Indonesia often require engagement with the government, and having support from executive authorities is crucial. Poor relations with the regime can hinder business operations, as seen with Prabowo Subianto’s business stagnating due to limited access to executive power.
In my research conducted in Jakarta, I found examples of businesses facing challenges due to their perceived affiliations with previous governments or lack of government ties. Political parties have traditionally been a way for businessmen to renegotiate their relationships with the regime and secure support for their enterprises. However, businessmen are increasingly comfortable engaging in electoral politics without direct party affiliations, as the risks are perceived to be minimal. This shift is enabled by influential organisations outside formal political institutions and strategic distribution of corporate equity.
Businesspeople bring valuable benefits to political campaigns, such as access to capital and managerial efficiency. The relationships between businessmen and politicians are complex and go beyond financial interests. Organisations like KADIN and HIPMI play a crucial role in facilitating connections between businessmen and politicians. These organisations communicate with key governmental departments to secure support for their members.
The intertwining of business ventures and ownership has created a network of trust and relationships between businessmen and politicians. Ownership diversification and the appointment of well-connected executives are common strategies used to manage political risks. Examples of complex ownership structures and strategic share transactions highlight the evolving landscape of business-politics interplay in Indonesia. Family members and trusted individuals play key roles in private corporations, recommended by politicians based on established trust and previous engagements.
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