Gita Wirjawan

As the founder and Chairman of Ancora Group, Gita Wirjawan leads a diversified private equity firm with interests in natural resources, real estate, and education. His entrepreneurial vision is matched by an unwavering commitment to empowering future generations through education and sustainable development.

Wirjawan has held senior executive roles at various global financial institutions. He was Vice President of Citibank Indonesia, Vice President of Goldman Sachs’ Investment Banking Division in Singapore, and President Director of JP Morgan Indonesia. His expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate strategy positioned him as a trusted leader in Southeast Asia’s financial landscape.

In 2009, Gita Wirjawan transitioned to public service as Chairman of Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), where he catalysed a near doubling of foreign investment in the country. Appointed as Indonesia’s Minister of Trade in 2011, he spearheaded historic reforms, including the passage of the landmark Trade Law, modernising Indonesia’s trade framework. Most notably, Wirjawan chaired the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference in 2013, where 159 member nations agreed on transformative measures to reduce global trade barriers – a landmark achievement for Indonesia and global commerce.

A passionate advocate for education, Gita Wirjawan established the Ancora Foundation, which provides scholarships for Indonesians to attend leading universities such as Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford. The foundation also supports grassroots initiatives like teacher training for kindergartens serving underprivileged communities, fostering equitable access to quality education.

As a visiting scholar at Stanford University’s Precourt Institute for Energy, Wirjawan researches nation-building and sustainable development in Southeast Asia. His work emphasises creating resilient economies while addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Gita Wirjawan is an ardent supporter of Indonesia’s cultural and athletic heritage. As Chairman of the Indonesia Badminton Association (2012-2016), he led the nation to remarkable international victories, including Olympic and World Championship gold medals.

Gita Wirjawan is the host of Endgame with Gita Wirjawan, a thought-provoking podcast that explores Southeast Asia’s potential and Indonesia’s path to a brighter future. Through in-depth conversations with global experts, he challenges conventional thinking and inspires actionable solutions for regional growth.