Jusuf Kalla
Who was Jusuf Kalla?
Indonesian businessman and politician who served two non-consecutive terms as Vice President under both Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Jusuf Kalla (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, often called JK, is an Indonesian politician and businessman known for being the only person to serve two non-consecutive terms as Vice President of Indonesia. He was born on May 15, 1942, in Watampone, South Sulawesi. Kalla studied at Hasanuddin University and later at INSEAD business school. His experience in both business and politics has been crucial in connecting Indonesia's private sector with government bodies.
Kalla first became Vice President in 2004, serving with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono until 2009. During this time, he played an important role in Indonesia's transition to democracy and economic growth after the reform era. His skills in politics and business made him a key player in dealing with the challenges of post-Suharto Indonesia. After his first term, Kalla stayed active in politics and was the Golkar Party's presidential candidate in the 2009 election, showing his ongoing influence in Indonesian politics.
In a surprising move, Kalla returned as Vice President in 2014, partnering with Joko Widodo, and served until 2019. This second term solidified his standing as a highly experienced political leader. Throughout his vice presidencies, he balanced his business ventures with his government role, showing how private sector know-how can enhance public service. His ability to work with presidents from different political parties highlighted his practical approach to leadership.
Besides his political work, Kalla is known for his humanitarian efforts and business activities. Since 2009, he has led the Indonesian Red Cross Society, applying his leadership skills to charity work. His efforts have been recognized globally, earning him awards like Japan's Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in 2022 and Belgium's Commander of the Order of Leopold in 2009. He is married to Mufidah Jusuf Kalla, and together they have been leading figures in Indonesian society, managing both public roles and private businesses.
Before Fame
Jusuf Kalla was born in Watampone, the capital of Bone Regency in South Sulawesi, during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia. Growing up in the 1940s and 1950s, he saw Indonesia's fight for independence and the early years of the republic under Sukarno. His early life was influenced by the political changes and economic difficulties of post-independence Indonesia.
He started his education at Hasanuddin University, gaining knowledge that would later help his business ventures. Choosing to continue his studies at INSEAD, a top business school in Europe, showed his desire to get an international perspective and expertise. This mix of local insights and global business education set him up well for success in Indonesia's growing economy, especially during the Suharto era when the country was welcoming foreign investment and modernizing its economic frameworks.
Key Achievements
- Served as 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia across two non-consecutive terms (2004-2009, 2014-2019)
- Successfully bridged different political administrations, working effectively with both Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo
- Led the Indonesian Red Cross Society as chairman since 2009, overseeing major humanitarian initiatives
- Built successful business career while maintaining active political involvement spanning multiple decades
- Received numerous international honors including Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun and Commander of the Order of Leopold
Did You Know?
- 01.He is the only person in Indonesian history to serve two non-consecutive terms as Vice President
- 02.A 2012 poll ranked him among the top three presidential contenders, placing him ahead of his own Golkar Party's official nominee Aburizal Bakrie
- 03.He has served as chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross Society since 2009, spanning over a decade of humanitarian leadership
- 04.He received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan in 2022, one of that country's highest honors for foreign nationals
- 05.He was included in Tatler 500 Indonesia and recognized as one of Asia's Most Influential Indonesia in 2021
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tatler 500 Indonesia | — | — |
| Asia's Most Influential Indonesia | 2021 | — |
| Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun | 2022 | — |
| Star of Humanities | — | — |
| Cultural Merit Star | — | — |
| Bintang Jasa Utama | — | — |
| Bintang Mahaputera Adipurna | — | — |
| Star of the Republic of Indonesia, 2nd class | — | — |
| Commander of the Order of Leopold | 2009 | — |