You Can Call Me an Oligarch, a Coordinator of Conglomerates

You Can Call Me an Oligarch, a Coordinator of Congluterates

You Can Call Me an Oligarch - On the 21st floor of Wisma Mandiri in Central Jakarta, Housing and Settlement Areas Minister Maruarar Sirait maintains a workspace that serves as a visual gallery of political and business alliances. The room is lined with numerous photographs, each capturing the minister in various settings alongside prominent figures. Among them are images of him with Agung Sedayu Group owner Sugianto Kusuma, affectionately known as Aguan, and James Riady, the founder of the Lippo Group. These portraits underscore the minister’s deep ties to influential sectors of Indonesia’s economy.

Photos in the Office

As visitors approach his office, they are greeted by a collection of expansive images adorning the walls. These include not only personal snapshots but also formal portraits of Maruarar with high-ranking government officials. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, and National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo are among those featured. The minister, who goes by the nickname Ara, has described these connections as vital to the success of his ministry’s initiatives. “They have contributed significantly to advancing our programs,” he remarked during an interview on Monday, May 18, 2026.

“They have helped this ministry’s programs a great deal,” Ara said on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The office also holds a special place for President Prabowo Subianto, with more than a dozen photographs of him scattered throughout the space. One wall features a striking image of Ara walking behind the President, while another shows him attentively receiving instructions. These pictures reflect the minister’s close collaboration with the leader, highlighting the intertwined nature of his role in both governance and business.

The Scope of the Housing Initiative

Inside the sprawling office, which spans nearly the length of half a soccer field, Maruarar Sirait typically starts work at midday and often stays until 2 a.m. His long hours are well-known within the Gerindra Party, where Prabowo Subianto is said to be acutely aware of this routine. “But I’m always ready whenever the President calls,” the minister emphasized, indicating his commitment to prioritizing national projects.

The minister’s discussions with Tempo journalists—Yosea Arga, Francisca Christy Rosana, Praga Utama, Raymundus Rikang, and Stefanus Pramono—revealed the government’s focus on a transformative housing program. The goal is to renovate and construct 3 million homes, a target that Maruarar believes is achievable with the support of private sector partners. He explained that this initiative requires not only public funding but also the active participation of conglomerates and tycoons who have shown interest in contributing to its success.

Maruarar highlighted the importance of private business involvement in overcoming the challenges of large-scale housing development. He noted that these partnerships are crucial for ensuring the program meets its ambitious targets. “Private companies bring expertise, resources, and innovation that the government alone cannot provide,” he said. This collaboration, he argued, is a necessary step toward addressing the nation’s housing needs, particularly in urban areas where demand outstrips supply.

A Political and Economic Nexus

The minister’s office is a testament to the convergence of political and economic power. By displaying photographs with both business leaders and government officials, Maruarar Sirait positions himself as a bridge between the two worlds. This strategic display is not merely symbolic; it reflects a deliberate effort to cultivate relationships that can influence policy and resource allocation. His father, Sabam Sirait, was one of the founding members of the Indonesian Democratic Party, further embedding the family’s legacy in the political landscape.

Maruarar’s role as a coordinator of conglomerates is central to the program’s implementation. He described how private businesses are being enlisted to take on specific projects, such as infrastructure development and financing. “We’ve worked closely with several tycoons to ensure the initiative is sustainable and scalable,” he added. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to modernize the housing sector while reducing the burden on public funds.

Despite the grandeur of his office, Maruarar Sirait remains focused on the practicalities of his work. The minister’s ability to juggle high-profile alliances with the demands of policy-making has been a subject of both admiration and scrutiny. Critics argue that such ties may prioritize the interests of powerful individuals over the general public. However, Maruarar defends these relationships as essential for driving progress in a complex socio-economic environment.

Challenges and Vision

The housing program, while ambitious, faces several hurdles. Maruarar acknowledged the need for coordination between different government agencies and the private sector, emphasizing the importance of streamlined communication. “We’ve had to overcome bureaucratic delays and align our goals with those of the businesses involved,” he said. Yet, he remains optimistic, citing the momentum generated by recent partnerships and policy reforms.

Looking ahead, Maruarar Sirait envisions a future where Indonesia’s housing crisis is significantly alleviated. He believes that the 3 million home initiative will not only provide shelter but also stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities. “This program is a cornerstone of our national development strategy,” he stated. The minister’s vision, however, depends on the continued support of both the government and private stakeholders.

As the project gains traction, Maruarar’s role as a coordinator becomes increasingly critical. His ability to navigate the intricate web of political and business interests may determine the program’s long-term success. With the President’s backing and the active participation of conglomerates, the minister is determined to make his vision a reality. “We are not just building homes—we are building a foundation for a more equitable society,” he concluded, underscoring the broader implications of his work.

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