Jakarta – Beyond building sprawling business empires, several of Indonesia’s most prominent tycoons have also invested in higher education, establishing universities that are now household names in the country. Backed by vast wealth and vision, these institutions have become influential incubators of talent across sectors.
Among the pioneers is the Riady family, heirs to the Lippo Group empire. James Riady, son of the late Mochtar Riady, co-founded Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) in 1994 with Ir. Johannes Oentoro and Dr. (HC). Initially operating from Lippo Bank’s headquarters in Kedoya, Jakarta, UPH has since grown into a premier private university. It began offering international programs in 2006 and counts among its alumni figures such as Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, who recently completed his doctoral studies there.
Another success story is Universitas Bina Nusantara (BINUS), established by Joseph Wibowo Hadipoespito and Theresia Widia Soerjaningsih. What began in 1974 as a modest computer training institute evolved into a full-fledged university by 1996. Today, BINUS is recognized as one of Indonesia’s strongest education brands, producing alumni who have shaped key industries, including Tokopedia founder William Tanuwijaya.
The Bakrie family also left their mark in higher education through Universitas Bakrie. Officially inaugurated in 2009, after operating earlier as a business school, the university reflects the family’s ambitions during the peak of the Bakrie Group’s prominence. Despite financial setbacks in recent years, the institution has continued to thrive, offering modern facilities in Jakarta’s Kuningan district and producing graduates active across multiple fields.
Meanwhile, the Ciputra family, synonymous with real estate innovation, brought its entrepreneurial spirit into education. The late Ciputra, who passed away in 2019, envisioned a university that would blend academic rigor with business acumen. Universitas Ciputra in Surabaya is the embodiment of that vision, focusing on nurturing entrepreneurship across disciplines while honoring the family’s legacy.
Together, these four universities represent more than just philanthropy; they are strategic investments in Indonesia’s human capital. With a blend of global perspective and local relevance, they continue to shape future generations of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, reinforcing the enduring influence of Indonesia’s most powerful families.
