Profile of Ignasius Jonan, From Banker to Minister of Transportation and Energy and Mineral Resources

Kapanlagi.com - The profile of Ignasius Jonan is truly inspiring! Recently, the figure affectionately known as Jonan underwent heart surgery at a hospital in Singapore and is now focusing on recovery post-surgery. So, who is Ignasius Jonan?

For many, his name may not be unfamiliar. He is an influential figure widely recognized for his contributions in both the public and private sectors in Indonesia. Born in Singapore on June 21, 1963, Jonan's career journey is impressive, starting from the banking world to holding important ministerial positions in the government.

Before stepping into the world of government, Jonan had a brilliant career in the private sector. He worked at Citibank/Citigroup Indonesia, where he served as Managing Director from 2006 to 2009. This valuable experience in international banking clearly provided a strong foundation for his subsequent steps.

1. Profile of Ignasius Jonan: Background and Education

Ignasius Jonan, who was born in Singapore on June 21, 1963, grew up in his homeland, Indonesia. He attended St. Louis 1 Catholic High School in Surabaya before continuing his studies at the Faculty of Economics and Business at Airlangga University, majoring in Accounting.

However, his enthusiasm for learning did not stop there; Jonan continued his education at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, United States, and participated in the Senior Managers in Government program at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. All these academic achievements laid a solid foundation for his brilliant career in the private and government sectors.

2. Profile of Ignasius Jonan: Early Career

Jonan's career began in the financial world, where he made a mark as a Director at Citibank from 1999 to 2001, before continuing as the President Director of PT Bahana Pembinaan Usaha Indonesia until 2006. After returning to Citibank as Managing Director, his name began to shine when he was appointed as the President Director of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) in 2009.

Although he did not have a background in transportation, Jonan succeeded in shaking up Indonesia's railway system with innovative and comprehensive reforms.

3. Profile of Ignasius Jonan: Major Reforms at PT Kereta Api Indonesia

When Jonan took over PT KAI, the condition of train services in Indonesia was like a starless night: full of problems, from dirty stations to high numbers of ticket scalpers.

However, within five years, Jonan transformed the face of KAI with revolutionary steps. He eradicated ticket scalpers through a boarding pass system and online tickets, improved station cleanliness with free toilets, and modernized train cars with air conditioning in all classes and a smoking ban.

Thanks to his smart policies, PT KAI, which previously incurred losses of Rp83.5 billion in 2008, transformed into a company that made a profit of Rp154.8 billion in 2009 and continued to soar to Rp560.4 billion in 2013.

This success not only elevated the image of PT KAI but also made Jonan an iconic figure in Indonesia's transportation reform.

4. Profile of Ignasius Jonan: Becoming the Minister of Transportation and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources

Jonan's success at PT KAI earned him the trust of President Joko Widodo to serve as Minister of Transportation in the Working Cabinet from 2014 to 2016, where he had to face various challenges, including the tragedy of the AirAsia QZ8501 accident.

Although he was dismissed during the cabinet reshuffle in July 2016, two months later he was called back by Jokowi and appointed as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) in October 2016, replacing Arcandra Tahar who was embroiled in citizenship issues.

In his new role, Jonan launched a number of strategic policies, such as accelerating village electrification to reach remote areas, stabilizing fuel prices to make them more affordable, and supporting the development of new and renewable energy, including the utilization of geothermal and solar energy.

By completing his term until 2019, Jonan marked his name as one of the officials who successfully held two different ministerial positions in one government period.

5. Profile of Ignasius Jonan: Post-Government Activities

Although he has ended his career as a minister, Jonan continues to contribute to the business and corporate world, proving that his spirit for innovation remains alive.

Since 2020, he has served as a Commissioner at PT Sido Muncul and Unilever Indonesia, demonstrating his expertise in managing large companies.

In addition, Jonan has also become an important voice in various seminars and discussions addressing crucial issues such as transportation, energy, and sustainable development in Indonesia, making him a figure who is not only influential but also inspirational to many.

6. What are Ignasius Jonan's greatest achievements at PT KAI?

With a spirit of innovation, Jonan has significantly transformed the face of railway services in Indonesia. He successfully eradicated the harmful practice of ticket scalping, improved cleanliness at every station, and provided maximum comfort by installing air conditioning throughout the carriages.

7. Why was Jonan dismissed from the position of Minister of Transportation?

Although the reasons behind it were not officially disclosed, his career journey has been quite winding; he was once ousted in the 2016 cabinet reshuffle, but shortly thereafter, he made a comeback and was reappointed as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources.

8. What was Ignasius Jonan's contribution as Minister of ESDM?

He encouraged all parties to accelerate electrification in villages, maintain the stability of fuel prices, and promote the development of renewable energy in the country, in order to create a brighter and more sustainable future for all Indonesian people.

9. What activities did Jonan engage in after leaving his ministerial position?

He is a familiar figure in the business world, actively serving as a commissioner in various prominent companies. In addition, he often participates in engaging public discussions on crucial issues such as transportation and energy, demonstrating his concern for the development of these vital sectors.

(kpl/srr)