Businessman cum politician Sofyan Wanandi is a big supporter of Jokowi-Kalla in last year’s presidential election. After winning the election, Sofyan is granted big access to the country’s policy making. People in the business gave mixed response to Sofyan’s direct involvement in the government.
Some were surprised to see his big office, reportedly equipped with 33 staffs, at the office of Vice President Jusuf Kalla. Those understanding Indonesian politics, especially political financing and brokering, see that as fair gain from his investments in (1) lobbying PDIP and others to promote Kalla as VP candidate and (2) helping logistics (financing) of the campaign.
While he has no political party, Sofyan is considered another power broker surrounding Jokowi-Kalla administration. His influence in policy making is seen similar to Surya Paloh (owner of Media Group and chairman of NasDem Party).
Sofyan’s influence in the appointment of cabinet members is widely known for names like Rachmat Gobel (minister of trade), Bambang Brodjonegoro (minister of finance), and Franky Sibarani (head of the Coordinating Board of Investment/BKPM).
Some started to speculate Sofyan’s role in recent policies issued by ministry of trade, including ban of alcoholic beverages distribution in the convenience stores and mandatory L/C for four commodities (oil & gas, palm oil, minerals, and coal).
Sofyan also talked a lot about sensitive issues, including Freeport’s rejection to build copper smelter in Papua. Sofyan insisted that Freeport should participate in Papua copper smelter.
The question, of course, whether Jokowi-Kalla’s economic policies will heavily be influenced by Sofyan’s own business interest or interests of business partners?
Sofyan’s family controls Santini Group, which has three major business units: automotive, infrastructure, and property. In the automotive sector, Santini Group distributes and manufactures parts, including battery, F frame chassis, rear axle and propeller shafts, etc.
In the infrastructure, Santini is involved in an aluminium project in West Kalimantan and one geothermal project. In the property sector, Santini owns hotels, resorts, office towers, and apartments.
Other business interests of Santini Group include The Jakarta Post (English newspaper), Nomura Indonesia (financial consultancy service), Santini Mitra Amanah (orchid plantation), and Dharma Karya Perdana (tank terminal industry).
Luki and Wandi Wanandi, both are sons of Sofyan, are now in the board of directors of Santini Group.
Outside Santini (previously Gemala Group), Sofyan’s brother Biantoro Wanandi controls leading pharmaceutical company Combiphar and distribution company PT Anugerah Pharmindo Lestari, plus PT Tigaka Distrindo Perkasa, an importer and distributor of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Sofyan’s other brother Rudy Wanandi, meanwhile, controls insurance company Asuransi Wahana Tata (Aswata). Sofjan is listed vice chairman of the insurance firm, while Pingki Elka Pangestu, brother of Mari E Pangestu (former minister of trade), is independent commissioner. Aswata is one of major general insurance firms in Indonesia with net profit of Rp104 billion in 2013 and Rp120 billion in 2012.
Sofyan’s nephew Dani Wanandi (son of Jusuf Wanandi, older brother of Sofyan), is listed owner of F&B retailer Jaddi Group (owner of Vin+, D’Crepes, Mix Grill, Cork & Screw), etc. Vin+, which distributes wine, currently has five outlets in Jakarta and Bali.
*) To be Continued…
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