The development of social media has made things that once seemed exclusive become more inclusive. For example, conversations about politics and important state officials, which always find an open place in the discussions of young people, are critical, rich in humor. There is a lot of news that can be traced as evidence of the political literacy of today’s young generation. The officials discussed varied according to the issues that were currently developing: a positive sign that we as young people know the officials, right?
Well, but there is one name, which is almost always discussed no matter what issue is being developed. He is Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment.
Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan was born in Simargala village, Huta Namora, Silaen, Toba Samosir, North Sumatra on September 28, 1947 and married with Devi Simatupang and already has 4 children.
His name is always discussed because he is considered a versatile official who is often in strategic positions. Netizens even gave him the nickname ‘Lord Luhut’, referring to his fame and power. So what is the career path of a Lord Luhut that makes it so important in today’s conversation? The following is Hipwee’s summary of his career journey. So you know, who is this figure that is often mentioned on social media~
Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan’s military career was dimmed because he was accused of wanting to coup Suharto. It is common knowledge that Luhut Pandjaitan is a general who has never been commander in chief. In the New Order era, his military career was dim, almost dark, even though he was one of the talented soldiers in the elite Kopassus troop. Luhut, who at that time held the rank of major, had the idea to build technical intelligence in Detachment 81 which he commanded. The goal is to infiltrate the opponent’s defense.
Long story short, because of the idea that materialized into a project called Charlie, Luhut was accused of wanting to coup Suharto. Inevitably his career bleak. He was stationed at the Infantry Armament Center. The highest territorial position he has ever occupied was being Commander of the Madiun 081/Dhirotsaha Jaya Korem in 1995.
Luhut’s career was bleak in the military, but quite brilliant in government. Like the stories of many well-known figures, Luhut, who was the best graduate of the National Military Academy in 1970, tried to rise from his slump and achieve success outside of his military career. In this regard, 1999 was a landmark year for him. After Suharto was removed from power and the late B.J. Habibie was replaced, Luhut was appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Singapore.
In this new career in government, it didn’t take long for Luhut to show off immediately. With his diplomatic skills, he only spent his first three months trying to restore relations between Indonesia and Singapore to their original level. Previously, relations between the two countries had been disrupted due to a lack of harmonious communication between state leaders after the death of President Suharto.
So, in 2000, before his term of service as Ambassador ended, Indonesia, led by President Gus Dur, recalled Luhut to assume the position of Minister of Trade and Industry. His work as a minister did not last long, as short as the age of Gus Dur’s reign. But still, this is an achievement that is a gateway for a further career.
In 2014, Luhut was appointed as the first Indonesian Presidential Chief of Staff by President Jokowi. A year later, he was appointed Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, before moving to the desk of Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs in 2016. Then in 2019 until now he served as Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment.
Luhut has filled vacant ministerial positions several times during President Jokowi’s era.
The arrest of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Edhy Prabowo by the Corruption Eradication Commission on Wednesday (25/11) early last morning regarding the lobster seed corruption added to Luhut’s ‘success’ portfolio. This time, apart from being the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, he is also entrusted with concurrently serving as Ad Interim Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
Well, filling the vacant ministerial position is not the first time for Luhut during President Jokowi’s era. This is the reason why economists and politicians label Luhut as ‘Prime Minister’, or the minister who takes care of all matters. Launching Kompas, previously in 2016 Luhut had filled the position of Acting Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources which was left by Arcandra Tahar.
After that, on March 14 2020, he was again appointed by President Jokowi to temporarily replace the position of Minister of Transportation, because the Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi had to undergo intensive treatment due to being infected with Covid-19.
Apart from various public comments regarding Lord Luhut’s concurrent positions, we must realize that he does have potential on all fronts. Yes, at least by borrowing President Jokowi’s glasses.
Lord Luhut is also known as a businessman with quite an extensive line of business.
But the title of ‘lord’ that netizens have pinned on Luhut is certainly not just because of his achievements in government. Outside of his official uniform, Luhut is also a skilled businessman, with an extensive line of business (not to rush to call it a success).
It is known that Luhut is an energy entrepreneur under a company called Toba Sejahtera Group, with 15 known subsidiaries. Launching Haluan, the company is divided into six branches, namely coal and mining, oil and gas, industry, property, power generation, as well as forestry and palm oil.
Even though he is in the business world and far from the military, Luhut’s corps spirit seems to remain strong. He did not forget his best friend while in ABRI. In running his business, Luhut involves many of his fellow officers. One of them is Fachrul Razi, the Minister of Religion who is a commissioner of PT Toba Sejahtera with Lt. Gen. (Purn) Sumardi.
Thanks to the fast-growing line of business, Luhut’s profits have also increased. Luhut’s personal wealth, which in 2001 amounted to IDR 7.1 billion, skyrocketed to IDR 660 billion in 2015.
Knowing Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan’s actions, which were dismal in the military, then brilliant in the government and business world, isn’t it an exaggeration, right, if netizens pin the title ‘lord’ before Luhut’s name?
Bio :
Name : Luhut Binsar Panjaitan.
Born : Simargala, Huta Namora, Silaen, Toba Samosir 28 September 1947
Education
1. SMA Penaburan, Bandung.
2. Akademi Militer 1970
3. Masters in Public Administration, George Washington University, Washington DC, Amerika Serikat.
4. National Defense University, Amerika Serikat.
Career:
1. Duta Besar RI untuk Singapura (1999-2000)
2. Minister of Industry and Trade (2000-2001)
3. Presidential Chief of Staff (2014-2015)
4. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia
5. Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs (2016-2019)
