This is Forbes' List of Indonesia's Richest Pharmacy Bosses, with Fortunes Reaching Rp65 Trillion!

The pharmaceutical industry has recently come under public scrutiny due to the widespread cases of atypical progressive acute kidney injury (AKI) in Indonesia. Several syrup medications are suspected to be the cause of this mysterious kidney disease.

Nevertheless, pharmaceuticals remain a highly lucrative industry. The owners of pharmaceutical companies are able to amass considerable wealth.

Three Indonesian pharmaceutical company owners were included in Forbes' 2021 list of the 50 richest Indonesians. Who are they?

1. Boenjamin Setiawan

Boenjamin Setiawan is the founder of Kalbe Farma, the largest pharmaceutical company in Indonesia. The company's products include not only pharmaceuticals but also consumer goods.

Dr. Boen, as he is known, also owns the Mitra Keluarga hospital network. Both Kalbe Farma and Mitra Keluarga Hospital are publicly listed companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX).

According to Forbes, Boenjamin's wealth was estimated at US$4.2 billion, or approximately Rp65.38 trillion (using an exchange rate of Rp15,567/US$) in 2021. He ranked 8th on the list of Indonesia's 50 richest people that year.

2. Irwan Hidayat

Irwan Hidayat owns Sido Muncul, Indonesia's largest traditional medicine company. Its best-selling product is Tolak Angin herbal medicine, a brand that has expanded into international markets.

One factor contributing to Hidayat's wealth is the continued growth of Sido Muncul during the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his family hold a majority stake in SIDO.

Furthermore, Hidayat has also developed a hospitality business with three hotels on Java and a hotel management company.

Thanks to these businesses, Hidayat's wealth is estimated at US$1.58 billion, or approximately Rp24.59 trillion. He was ranked 28th on Forbes' 2021 list of Indonesia's richest individuals.

3. Kartini Muljadi & family

Kartini Muljadi is one of three women who made Forbes' list of the 50 richest Indonesians in 2021. In the pharmaceutical industry, she is the only woman owner of a pharmaceutical company on that list.

Kartini owns the Tempo Group, the parent company of PT Tempo Scan Pasific Tbk. This company is known as a producer of pharmaceutical products and consumer goods.

Kartini's net worth is estimated at US$695 million, or approximately Rp10.81 trillion, placing her at 50th on the list of Indonesia's 50 richest people.