Play pembaca berita
From Zero to the Summit
The Inspiring Persistence of
Hary Tanoesoedibjo A Multitalented Leader
Hary Tanoesoedibjo, whose full name is Bambang Hary Iswanto Tanoesoedibjo (often abbreviated as HT), is one of the most prominent figures in the business and political landscape of Indonesia. He is widely recognized as the founder and owner of the giant conglomerate MNC Group, which spans various sectors, and as the founder and General Chairman of the political party, Partai Persatuan Indonesia (Perindo). His life journey reflects his ambition and capability to navigate the worlds of both entrepreneurship and politics.
Profile and Early Life
Hary Tanoesoedibjo was born in Surabaya, East Java, on September 26, 1965. He is the youngest of six children born to Achmad Tanoesoedibjo and Lilek Yohana Tanoesoedibjo. Although his father was known to be a devout Muslim, Hary Tanoesoedibjo adheres to Christianity.
Education
His educational background demonstrates persistence, especially after a challenging high school period that reportedly saw him expelled and having to complete an equivalent non-formal education (Package C). His mother played a crucial role in re-motivating him. Following this, HT pursued higher education abroad and successfully obtained two degrees in Canada:
- Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada (Graduated 1988).
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada (Graduated 1989), which he completed in a relatively short time. He also actively lectures in post-graduate programs at several Indonesian universities.
Personal Life
Hary Tanoesoedibjo is married to Liliana Tanaja Tanoesoedibjo, and they have five children:
Several of his children are actively involved in the management of the MNC Group business and have entered the world of politics, reflecting the family's influence and regeneration in both fields.
The MNC Group Business Empire
Hary Tanoesoedibjo began his business career in 1989, shortly after graduating, by founding PT Bhakti Investama Tbk (now renamed PT MNC Asia Holding Tbk). The company initially focused on investment management services.
The biggest turning point came in 2000 when he made a major strategic acquisition. Through Bhakti Investama, he took over a majority stake in PT Bimantara Citra Tbk (which later became PT Global Mediacom Tbk). This acquisition marked HT's entry into the broadcasting and telecommunications industry, a move that subsequently led to the birth of the MNC Group as a conglomerate focused on four strategic business sectors:
1. Media & Entertainment
The media sector is one of the MNC Group's main pillars, operated through PT Media Nusantara Citra Tbk (MNCN) and its subsidiaries. The group's dominance in the broadcasting industry includes:
- National private television stations (such as RCTI, MNCTV, GTV, iNews).
- Print and online media (Koran Sindo, Okezone.com, Sindonews.com).
- Pay TV services (MNC Vision Networks) and digital platforms (Vision+).
2. Financial Services
The MNC Group also has a strong business arm in the financial sector, under PT MNC Kapital Indonesia Tbk (BCAP). This business covers:
- Banking (PT Bank MNC Internasional Tbk).
- Securities (MNC Sekuritas).
- Insurance, financing, and other financial services, including digital services integrated under Motion Digital.
3. Tourism & Hospitality
Through PT MNC Land Tbk (KPIG), the group develops property, tourism, and hospitality businesses. Key assets include the development of special economic zones (SEZ) like MNC Lido City SEZ in West Java, which features integrated residential, commercial, entertainment, and lifestyle areas, including high-profile hotel partnerships like the Trump Organization (for golf courses and resorts).
4. Energy & Natural Resources
The MNC Group has also ventured into the energy and natural resources sector, primarily through coal mining businesses and related support facilities, demonstrating a broad diversification beyond media and finance.
Thanks to his ownership and control over these massive corporations, Hary Tanoesoedibjo has consistently been listed among the richest individuals in Indonesia by prominent financial magazines such as Forbes.
Foray into Politics
In addition to being a business magnate, Hary Tanoesoedibjo is also active in politics, a move he views as a means to contribute to the nation's progress and change.
Political Journey
His political involvement began by joining a couple of parties before founding his own:
- NasDem Party (2011), which he left due to strategic disagreements.
- Hanura Party (2013), where he briefly served as a potential vice presidential candidate alongside Wiranto in the 2014 Election, before ultimately stepping down.
Founder of the Perindo Party
In February 2015, he officially founded the Partai Persatuan Indonesia (Perindo), evolving from a mass organization. As the General Chairman, Hary Tanoesoedibjo leads Perindo with a vision to create a united, sovereign, just, and prosperous Indonesia, with a particular focus on empowering the grassroots economy. Perindo has successfully participated in general elections and has become a notable new political force.
Social and Organizational Activities
Outside of business and politics, Hary Tanoesoedibjo is also involved in various social and organizational activities, particularly in sports:
- Chairman of the Indonesia Futsal Federation (FFI) for multiple terms.
- Honorary Board/Patron of the Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina).
Furthermore, he is known for frequently giving general lectures at various universities across Indonesia, sharing his business experiences and motivational insights with the younger generation.
Overall, Hary Tanoesoedibjo is a figure who represents the intersection of business power and political influence in Indonesia. With the MNC Group as his economic base and the Perindo Party as his political vehicle, he continues to be a personality with a significant impact on the socio-economic and political dynamics of the country.