Without blessings from Megawati administration, Bakrie Group’s history in Indonesian business and politics might be completely known differently. State-bank Mandiri and state-owned social security firm Jamsostek played crucial role in the acquisition of Arutmin Indonesia by Bakrie Group. Two years later, Bakrie won the precious Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) shares from the frustrated BP/Rio Tinto consortium.

Five years ago, Arpeni Pratama Ocean Line (APOL) owned 77 vessels for various types of services: dry bulk, liquid cargo, general cargo, and others. By late 2013, number of Arpeni vessels had dropped to 66, mainly due to substantial drop in dry bulk. In the past two months, the company’s fleet reduced further following continues pressures in the industry.

Propan Raya is one of key players in the country’s fast growing coating and paint market, supported by distribution network and service centers all over the country plus modern retail chains like Mitra 10, Depo Bangunan, etc. Dr Hendra Adidarma established PD Propan Chemicals in 1979, which then renamed to PT Propan Raya Industrial Coatings & Chemicals (Propan Raya ICC).

For the Indonesian band Slank, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is the ideal Indonesian president. As one of the oldest rock band in Indonesia, with millions of fans across the country, Slank believes that at least 50 percent of their fans will follow their lead. But will Slank crank their efforts up even more for Jokowi?

Lucas Sasmito, brother in law of Budyanto Totong (shareholder of CSAP, owner of Mitra 10 and Depo Bangunan building material outlets), established CV Pan Asia Chemical, the predecessor of PT Panarub Industry, about 46 years ago. It initially produced rubber sponge and plastic sandals. Panarub is now the largest manufacturer of sport shoes in Indonesia, producing major brands like Adidas, Reebok, and its own brand Specs.

“I am Jokowi, a part of Islam that is rahmatan lil alamin (a blessing for all). Islam that lives and creates its craft in Indonesia, [Islam] that affirms the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika [Unity in Diversity] is a blessing from God.” Joko “Jokowi” Widodo wrote in a press release that Kompas.com received on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

Political parties (PDIP, PKB, NasDem, and Hanura) endorsing Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla have finally established the ‘campaign team’. Chairperson of these parties are in the board of advisors, while people like AM Hendropriyono and Luhut Panjaitan are in the Steering Committee. There are also some surprises in the list. Who are they?

When the “King of Dangdut” Rhoma Irama was named as a potential presidential candidate by the National Awakening Party (PKB), a lot of people thought it was a joke. But not for Rhoma. For him, his nomination was a serious deal. Who is Rhoma? What does he really want?

Accompanied by his brother Hashim Djoyohadikusumo, president candidate Prabowo Subianto, met businessman and politician Harry Tanoesoedibjo, at Harry’s ‘mansion’ last night. Harry, who has joined and left two political parties in the past two years, has formally joined Prabowo-Hatta’s camp. Why he joined Prabowo? What are the risks?