Sofjan Wanandi

Sofjan Wanandi (born in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, March 3, 1941 as Liem Bian Koen) is an Indonesian businessman and the majority owner of the Gemala Group. He is the brother of Jusuf Wanandi, a senior politician and one of the founders of the CSIS thinktank in Jakarta.

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

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). 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. He later became chairman of WE continue with Jaya.

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.