Sofjan Wanandi

Sofjan Wanandi, a.k.a. Lim Bian Khoen (Chinese: 林綿坤; pinyin: Lín Miánkūn; born March 3, 1941) is an Indonesian businessman and the majority owner of the Gemala Group.[1] Born in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra,[2] he is the brother of Jusuf Wanandi, a senior politician and one of the founders of the CSIS think tank in Jakarta.[2]

Sofjan Wanandi

An anti-communist activist during the 1965-1966 period in Indonesia, Sofjan has been active in business, government, and politics.[3]

Career and education

While studying at the University of Indonesia, Sofjan became the chairman of the Catholic Student Association of the Republic of Indonesia (PMKRI).[2] Following the tumultuous events surrounding G-30-S/PKI (the alleged coup attempt by the Indonesian Communist Party or Partai Komunis Indonesia / PKI) in Indonesia, he was involved in the struggle to suppress PKI.[4] He later became chairman of WE continue with Jaya.[5]

Even prior to G30S/PKI, he was already active in the fight against the expanding influence of the PKI in Indonesia. As one of OUR Jaya chairman, he led a variety of events that led to his imprisonment by the Sukarno government. After spending five days in jail, he was released.[5]

After the power transfer to President Soeharto, he joined the Golkar Party. Sofjan was close to Suharto's aides Ali Murtopo and Soedjono Hoemardani, both of whom were important players in Suharto's inner circle.[5]

Starting with PT Pakarti Yoga, Sofjan pioneered the business activities of Gemala Group. In 2008, the Gemala Group employed more than 15 thousand people, including those working abroad (Australia and Canada). Mr. Wanandi led several large companies such as Tata Vehicle insurance, battery manufacturer PT Yuasa Battery Indonesia, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and others.[5]

He eventually became one of the business leaders in Indonesia. Sofjan was elected general chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) for the 2008-2013 period.[5] He had led Apindo in a previous five-year period.[6]

References
  1. A biography of Sofjan Wanandi was published in 2018 as: Robert Adhi Ksp, Sofjan Wanandi dan Tujuh Presiden: My Love for my Country, Jakarta, Kompas Media Nusantara. ISBN 978-602-412-394-9 (soft cover) and ISBN 978-602-412-395-6 (e-book).
  2. (id)Sofjan Wanandi. Pusat Data dan Analisis Tempo.
  3. Sofjan's brother, Jusuf Wanandi, has written a fast-moving account of the activities that Chinese-Catholic political activists -- including Sofjan -- were involved in during the period of the Soeharto era in Indonesia. See Jusuf Wanandi, Shades of grey: a political memoir of modern Indonesia 1965-1998, Equinox Publishing, Singapore, 2012.
  4. See the extensive details provided in Jusuf Wanandi, op. cit.
  5. (id)apindo.or.id. Lebih Dekat dengan Sofjan Wanandi, Ketua Umum Apindo (2008-2013). (accessed 5 Mei 2010)
  6. (id)www.tokohindonesia.com. Sofjan Wanandi
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