i've been a member of KADIN for years. never once have i been allowed to vote. neither do i know anyone who has ever voted for the head of the chamber of commerce. i am also still trying to figure out the function of this association.
Thu, 17 Jun 2010
REUTERS/Indonesia's business chamber to pick new chief JAKARTA
JAKARTA June 17 (Reuters) - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), a vocal lobbying group that represents some of Indonesia's most powerful tycoons, will hold a leadership ballot in August.
The contest is shaping up as a battle between the old guard and the younger generation, and between businessmen of varying degrees of closeness to Aburizal Bakrie, a powerful politician and tycoon seen as an opponent to reform.
Here are some of the candidates vying for leadership of the group, which under Indonesian law must be consulted by the government on every major piece of legislation.
* SURYO SULISTO
The candidate who appears closest to Bakrie is Suryo Sulisto, 63, who is the president commissioner of coal miner Bumi Resources (BUMI.JK), the crown jewel in Bakrie's empire.
* SANDIAGA UNO
Uno, 40, is a former chair of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) and managing director of Saratoga Capital, which owns part of Indonesia's second-biggest coal miner, PT Adaro Energy (ADRO.JK) and has done business with the Bakrie Group through a company called Recapital.
* SHARIF CICIP SUTARDJO
Sutardjo, 61, owns property, palm oil and mining conglomerate Ariobimo and is seen as a candidate with strong support in regional Kadin branches, which control around 70 percent of the leadership vote. He is said to be a proponent of business reform.
* CHRIS KANTER
Manado-born Kanter, 56, has served as a vice president of Kadin since the mid-90s and is founder of turnkey contractor Sigma Sembada Group. He is also a commissioner of telecommunications firm Indosat (ISAT.JK).
* RACHMAT GOBEL
The chair of Gobel group, which has interests in manufacturing, hospitality, logistics and other services, Gobel, 47, is another vice president of Kadin. He is the Indonesian joint venture partner of electrical appliances firm Panasonic Corp (6752.T) and is also on the Indosat board of commissioners.