Billionaire Profile
Prajogo Pangestu
Global Rank
#41

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Prajogo Pangestu

CEO, Barito Pacific
ID
Real-Time Net Worth
$41.9B
As of December 2025
Age
81
Source
Petrochemicals, energy
Industry
diversified
Citizenship
ID

Biography

Prajogo Pangestu, born Phang Djoen Phen, is an Indonesian business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is the founder of the Barito Pacific Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in petrochemicals, energy, forestry, and mining. With a current net worth of $41.9 billion as of December 2024, he is the wealthiest person in Indonesia and among the wealthiest in Southeast Asia. His career began in the timber industry, with Barito Pacific Timber becoming the largest company on the Jakarta Stock Exchange in 1993. Prajogo expanded into petrochemicals, acquiring Chandra Asri Petrochemical, and later into renewable energy with Star Energy. His strategic investments have solidified his position in the energy sector.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Prajogo Pangestu was born on May 13, 1944, in Bengkayang, West Kalimantan, to a Hakka family from Guangdong, China. He attended Chinese schools in Indonesia before moving to Jakarta in 1965.

Rise to Success

Prajogo Pangestu started his career in the timber industry, joining Djajanti Group in 1970 and later starting his own business. His company, Barito Pacific Timber, became the largest on the Jakarta Stock Exchange in 1993. He expanded his business interests, notably acquiring Chandra Asri Petrochemical, Indonesia's largest petrochemical company, and investing heavily in geothermal energy through Star Energy.

Key Business Strategies

Prajogo's success is attributed to his strategic investments across various industries, including petrochemicals and renewable energy. A significant milestone was the acquisition of Chandra Asri Petrochemical and investments in geothermal energy, which boosted his wealth. Diversifying his business interests and making strategic financial decisions, such as taking Barito Pacific public, further accelerated his growth.

Philanthropy

While specific philanthropy amounts are not readily available, Prajogo Pangestu is known for his philanthropic endeavors.

Career Milestones

1970

Joined Djajanti Group

Prajogo joined the timber company Djajanti Group.

1977

Founded Own Business

Ventured into his own business.

1993

Barito Pacific Timber listed

PT Barito Pacific Timber Tbk became the largest company on the Jakarta Stock Exchange.

1999

Acquisition of Chandra Asri Petrochemical

Acquired Chandra Asri Petrochemical.

2007

Rebranding of Barito Pacific Timber

The company rebranded to reflect diversified operations.

2023

Petrindo Jaya Kreasi IPO

Took coal mining firm Petrindo Jaya Kreasi public.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

General

Unknown

Undisclosed

Prajogo is known for philanthropic endeavors.