Lim Hariyanto Wijaya Sarwono: A Visionary Entrepreneur Shaping Indonesia’s Economic Future

Lim Hariyanto Wijaya Sarwono, a prominent Indonesian businessman, has significantly influenced the nation’s economic landscape through his leadership of the Harita Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning palm oil, nickel mining, bauxite mining, coal, timber, and property development. As of January 14, 2025, his net worth is estimated at $3.6 billion, placing him among the world’s wealthiest individuals.

Born in 1928, Lim’s entrepreneurial journey began in the late 1980s when he expanded the family business, originally founded by his father, Lim Tju King, in 1915. His father, an immigrant from China, established a small grocery store in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, laying the foundation for the family’s business empire.

Under Lim’s stewardship, the Harita Group diversified into various industries. In 1998, the group ventured into palm oil plantations, leading to the establishment of Bumitama Agri, a Singapore-listed palm oil producer with plantations in Indonesia. The company has been recognized for its corporate governance and social responsibility.

The group’s expansion continued with investments in bauxite mining in 2003 and nickel mining in 2004. These ventures culminated in the development of an integrated nickel processing company, Trimegah Bangun Persada, which raised $650 million in a 2023 initial public offering.

Lim’s commitment to education and philanthropy is evident in his substantial donations to various institutions. In June 2024, he donated 10 million Chinese Yuan to Fujian Polytechnic Normal University (FPNU) for the construction of the Lin Lianxing Technology Building. This donation was facilitated through the Jakarta Fuqing Association and supported by the Fuqing City Government.

In addition to his business ventures, Lim pursued higher education later in life, obtaining a doctoral degree in business administration from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2005 at the age of 77. This achievement underscores his dedication to continuous learning and personal growth.

Lim’s family continues to play a pivotal role in the Harita Group’s operations. His son, Lim Gunawan Hariyanto, serves as the CEO of the family business, while his daughter, Christina, is the executive director of Bumitama Agri. The family’s involvement ensures the continuity and strategic direction of the conglomerate.

Through strategic diversification and a commitment to corporate responsibility, Lim Hariyanto Wijaya Sarwono has solidified his position as a leading figure in Indonesia’s business community, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s economic development.