Astra International Shakes Up C-Suite: Rudy Chen Takes Helm as New CEO of Indonesia’s Largest Conglomerate

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — PT Astra International Tbk (ASII), the backbone of Indonesia’s industrial economy, has officially entered a new era. During the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGMS) on Thursday, the conglomerate confirmed Rudy Chen as its new President Director, replacing the outgoing Djony Bunarto Tjondro.

Astra is often viewed as a proxy for the Indonesian economy, with interests ranging from automotive and mining to financial services and agribusiness. By elevating Rudy Chen—the former Vice President Director—Astra is signaling a strategy of continuity and stability to global investors. The inclusion of heavyweight Independent Commissioners like Muhamad Chatib Basri suggests the group is fortifying its defensive line against global macroeconomic headwinds while maintaining its legendary internal culture.

Internal Veterans Lead the Charge

Astra is famous for its "promote from within" culture, a tradition Rudy Chen was quick to highlight following his appointment. Alongside Chen, the company tapped Siswadi and Djap Tet Fa as new directors. Siswadi will now spearhead Astra’s financial services arm, while Djap Tet Fa—a 27-year veteran who also leads Astra Agro Lestari—will take over the agribusiness and property portfolios.

"We know that at Astra, we always promote from within, from the internal team. We know that those from the inside are already familiar with our values, culture, and so on, so they can continue the existing relay baton," Rudy Chen told the press at Astra Tower on Thursday (4/23/2026).

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A Star-Studded Supervisory Board

The group isn't just reshuffling its executive floor; it is also bolstering its oversight. Former Finance Minister Muhamad Chatib Basri and Pariya Tangtongpairoth have joined as Independent Commissioners. They enter the board as the group approves a total dividend of Rp 292 ($0.018) per share, representing a total capital return of Rp 15.6 trillion ($981 million).

The new leadership faces a challenging environment but starts with a clean mandate and a massive war chest. Under the new structure, Director Santosa will pivot his focus toward infrastructure, IT, and central corporate functions, allowing the new appointees to dive deep into the group’s core commodity and service pillars.

The Road Ahead

As part of the resolution, the AGMS also set the total honorarium for the Board of Commissioners at a maximum of Rp 2.16 billion ($135,800) gross per month. Chen’s focus remains clear: maintaining the growth trajectory that made Astra a regional powerhouse.

"For the position of President Director, I am trusted to continue what has been achieved by Mr. Djony," Rudy stated. "We ask for prayers and support so that Astra can perform better in the future and continue to grow into the future."

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