Jakarta, November 26, 2021 – To celebrate his 65th birthday (June 23), Agung Concern CEO Mahatma Ilham Panjaitan launched a book about his life journey at the Four Seasons Hotel, Gatot Subroto, Jakarta, on Friday (November 26, 2021). Titled “Panjaitan van Menteng The Godfather,” the book was written by journalists Putut Trihusodo and Dwitri Waluyo and features a compelling reporting style.

Present at the book launch, which was conducted in accordance with health protocols, were: Mr. Agus Martowardojo (15th Governor of Bank Indonesia (May 23, 2013–May 23, 2018) and the 27th Minister of Finance (May 20, 2010–April 18, 2013), Mr. Jahja Setiatmadja (President Director of BCA), Taswin Zakaria (President Director of Maybank Indonesia), Mr. Solihin Kalla (Kalla Group), Lieutenant General (Ret.) Hotmangaraja Panjaitan, Mrs. Nur Asia Uno (wife of Mr. Sandiaga Uno/Minister of Tourism & Creative Economy), and others.

In Indonesia, citing a statement by Vice President (2004–209 & 2014–2019) Jusuf Kalla, not many family businesses can survive for more than eight decades. Agung Concern (operating since 1954) is one of those few. Besides surviving the crisis, Agung Concern has also grown rapidly. Its business lines have expanded into several sectors, including the currently booming IT sector.

“In the past two decades, since being led by Ilham Panjaitan, Agung Concern has entered the ranks of the corporate elite in Indonesia. Agung Concern has the potential to become a key player in the Indonesia Emas 2045 program,” noted Putut Trihusodo.

Despite leading a large corporation, Ilham Panjaitan is not well-known to the public. Ilham, by the way, keeps a low profile. He is not someone who likes to talk about himself or his success stories. That’s why this book is almost entirely a series of stories from school friends, college friends, business associates, and other colleagues about Ilham and his achievements.

For Ilham, it’s easier to convey what he considers to be his principles. For example, he discusses his life principles as a father, a husband, a CEO, or as a businessman with all his commitments. “We interviewed around 40 sources about Mr. Ilham’s daily life and habits. They include old friends, college colleagues, family, business partners, and more,” added Putut.

The 272-page book features a prologue written by Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment has known Mr. Ilham Pandjaitan’s family since the 1950s. Also present were Mr. Jusuf Kalla (Vice President 2004-2009 & 2014-2019), and Enggartiasto Lukita (Minister of Trade 2016-2019).

In “Panjaitan van Menteng,” Ilham is depicted as preferring to be busy with work rather than preening himself and appearing in the media. Thanks to Ilham’s leadership, Agung Toyota (a division of Agung Concern) has ensured rapid growth.

Mr. Ilham Panjaitan presented the book “Panjaitan Van Menteng” to Mr. Susumu Matsuda, President Director of Toyota Astra Motor. Agung Toyota, one of the five founding Toyota dealers since 1972, dominates the car market in Riau, Jambi, Bengkulu, the Riau Islands, and Bali, with a total of more than 1,000 permanent employees. Agung Concern, the holding company, has more than 5,000 employees spread across the country.

However, whenever he has the opportunity, Mr. Ilham never forgets to enjoy himself; listening to music and watching movies with his family. He also enjoys traveling, a hobby he regularly enjoys with his family and Agung Concern employees, making it an annual event.

The book “Panjaitan van Menteng,” according to author Putut Trihusodo, also notes several important lessons that can be learned for family businesses seeking to exist and survive for decades, even centuries. These include the family philosophy that becomes the corporate culture, team building, and the ability to accurately read situations and execute them as profitable businesses.

“There are many best practices that can be learned, whether it’s about corporate culture, building a solid team, crisis management, and so on,” added Dwitri Waluyo.

Regarding the current IT-based business climate, Ilham sees change as inevitable.

“Therefore, change needs to be approached with caution and proportion. We must neither underestimate nor overestimate it,” Ilham explained, adding that his business philosophy is: “Business isn’t about who wins and who loses. All parties should feel like winners and satisfied because they have benefited fairly.”