Tycoons Unite for Paramadina’s New Campus
Key Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — National business leaders have shared personal stories of how they contributed to the construction of Universitas Paramadina’s new campus in Cipayung, East Jakarta, which was inaugurated on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025.
President Commissioner of PT Astra International Tbk, Prijono Sugiarto, said he was honored when invited by Yayasan Wakaf Paramadina, the university’s endowment foundation, to support the project.
He explained that Astra International, or ASII, was guided by the values of its founder William Soerjadjaja.
“We were taught by Om William that when leading a company, we must benefit everyone. His motto was prosperity with the nation,” Prijono said during the inauguration.
He emphasized that Astra focused its public contributions on four pillars: health, environment, micro, small and medium enterprise development, and education.
Prijono believed that improving Indonesia’s human capital would create more jobs, reduce social tensions, and drive economic growth. “If everyone has work, there will be fewer demonstrations. In the end, as Om William said, people will shop,” he remarked.
Gandi Sulistiyanto, former Sinar Mas Managing Director and Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea, delivers remarks at the inauguration of Universitas Paramadina Cipayung campus, Jakarta, on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025. Investortrust/Mohammad Defrizal
Djarum’s Rare Fundraising Moment
PT Djarum President Director Victor Hartono recalled how his father, tycoon Budi Hartono, once personally led a fundraising effort to support Universitas Paramadina.
“That event was the only time my father ever held a fundraising drive. Before that never, and after that never. Only for Paramadina,” Victor said.
- Victor Hartono, President Director of PT Djarum, center, speaks with former Industry Minister Saleh Husin, left, and Ilham Habibie, Chairman of the Habibie Center Board of Trustees, at the inauguration of Universitas Paramadina Cipayung campus, Jakarta, on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025. Investortrust/Mohammad Defrizal
Gandi Sulistiyanto and Cak Nur’s Trust
Former Sinar Mas Managing Director and Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea, Gandi Sulistiyanto, shared a memory of meeting Universitas Paramadina founder Nurcholish Madjid in hospital in 2005.
“Although he was very unwell, he told me that he entrusted Paramadina to me,” Gandi said.
Acting on that trust, Gandi coordinated with fellow businessmen such as Theodore Permadi Rachmat, who later became a major supporter. Gandi said the initial site in Lebak Bulus was abandoned because of zoning issues, and the campus was finally built in Cipayung.
Jusuf Kalla, Chairman of Yayasan Wakaf Paramadina and former Vice President of Indonesia, third from left, inspects the Universitas Paramadina Cipayung campus, Jakarta, on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025. Investortrust/Mohammad Defrizal
Triputra and GoTo Continue Support
Representing Theodore Rachmat, Corporate Secretary of Triputra Group Aminuddin Nurdin said the new campus marked an important step for education in Indonesia.
“He sends his congratulations and hopes Paramadina will continue as a source of knowledge and service to the nation,” Aminuddin said.
GoTo Group Chief Executive Patrick Walujo also offered testimony. He noted that the tech conglomerate had been a partner and donor for Paramadina for nearly two decades.
“I am grateful to have been part of Paramadina’s journey since 2005, together with Anies Baswedan and Widjajanto Samirin,” Patrick said.
Green Campus Vision
Construction of the main Paramadina University campus in Cipayung began in 2021. The inauguration was attended by former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Omi Komaria (widow of Nurcholish Madjid), former central bank governor Hendro Martowardojo, former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, Prijono Sugiarto, Victor Hartono, Patrick Walujo, Saleh Husin, Didik J. Rachbini, and the university community.
The campus occupies 22,000 square meters and is designed as a Green Campus, blending modern tropical minimalist buildings with gardens. It accommodates 10,000 students across three main buildings: Nurcholish Madjid Hall (eight floors), TP Rachmat Hall (three floors), and Jusuf Kalla Hall (three floors).
Contributors included Djarum Foundation, Bank Central Asia, Astra International, United Tractors, Adaro Energy, Triputra Agro Persada, Polytron, Sinar Mas, Indika Energy, Northstar Pacific, Blibli.com, Tiket.com, and Harum Energy.
Individual benefactors mentioned were Jusuf Kalla, Budi Hartono, TP Rachmat, Gandi Sulistiyanto, Haji Isam, and the late Benny Subianto.
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