You Can Call Me an Oligarch, a Coordinator of Conglomerates

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dozens of large photographs fill the office of Housing and Settlement Areas Minister Maruarar Sirait on the 21st floor of Wisma Mandiri in Central Jakarta. Along the corridor leading to his office, Maruarar displays portraits of himself with tycoons such as Agung Sedayu Group owner Sugianto Kusuma, better known as Aguan, and Lippo Group founder James Riady.

In the guest waiting room, Ara—as Maruarar is commonly known—has hung photographs of himself with several government officials, including Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, and National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo. “They have helped this ministry’s programs a great deal,” Ara said on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Meanwhile, more than a dozen photographs of President Prabowo Subianto are scattered throughout his office. Two of them flank a painting of Sabam Sirait, Maruarar’s father and one of the founders of the Indonesian Democratic Party. One photograph depicts Ara walking behind Prabowo. In another, he appears to be listening attentively to the President’s instructions.

Inside the office, which stretches nearly the length of half a soccer field, Ara typically begins work around midday and often does not finish until 2am. According to the Gerindra Party politician, Prabowo is well aware of this habit. “But I’m always ready whenever the President calls,” he said.

Speaking with Tempo journalists Yosea Arga, Francisca Christy Rosana, Praga Utama, Raymundus Rikang, and Stefanus Pramono, Maruarar explained the government’s priority program to renovate and provide 3 million homes. He also disclosed the role of private business contributions in supporting the housing initiative.

Read the Complete Story in Tempo English Magazine

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