Are Indonesia’s Prabowo and ultra rich ‘9 Dragons’ on a collision course?

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's policies aimed at strengthening state intervention in the economy are reportedly creating friction with powerful business families, referred to as the "Nine Dragons" or "Sembilan Naga." This informal term describes some of Indonesia's wealthiest tycoon families, many of Chinese Indonesian descent, who hold significant interests across various sectors including banking, property, and natural resources. These conglomerates, such as Djarum, Salim Group, and Lippo Group, are widely recognized in public discourse. Analysts suggest that Prabowo's approach to economic reorganization is leading to increasing disagreements with these influential business groups.