The term "Nine Dragons" emerged during the New Order era, which was characterized by mutually beneficial relationships between businessmen and the government. Initially, this term, also known as the 'Gang of Nine', had negative and mysterious connotations. The group was associated with illicit businesses such as
gambling,
drugs, and
smuggling, and was considered above the law due to strong backing from authorities. Their names came into spotlight after the news about both together taking over financially strapped Bank Propelat that was once owned by the
armed forces. In the New Order Era, Tomy Winata is very well known with his connection with armed forces high rankings including General
Gatot Nurmantyo, who back then was the adjudant to Major General
Edi Sudradjat. Tomy first contact with the military started when he was tasked to build a military barrack in
Singkawang. Tomy also being trusted to supply military logistics in some region. Tomy would later cause national shockwave after the attorney general are investigating his collusion with
Bank Indonesia officials for the takeover of Bank Arta Prima. Sugianto Kusuma at the beginning started an import business. While his name was not really common in media during 1990s until 1998 when
Salim Group who developed a land in
Pantai Indah Kapuk are struggling financially in aftermath of
1997 Asian financial crisis. Kusuma agreed to offer help to
Anthoni Salim who was recently appointed to lead Salim Group after his father,
Sudono Salim fled the country for
Singapore and
Los Angeles due to the
riot of 1998, taking over majority stake of Salim Group property business. Aside from those two names, there are several names that are tied to the original Nine Dragons mentioned in Tempo invesitigative article such as Kwee Haryadi Kumala, Iwan Cahyadi, Yorrys, Arief Cocong, Edi Porkas, Arie Sigit, Jony Kusuma. Those names were said to be running the nightlife businesses in Jakarta ranging from nightclub and gambling as well as smuggling. Kwee Haryadi Kumala, along with his brother Kwee Cahyadi Kumala would later enter real estate business by establishing
Sentul City, a planned town within the foot of
Mount Salak in 1994, some speculates that the Kwee Brothers went into real estate business to launder its reputation away from illegal businesses. of
Lion Air Group who was an Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia at the time accompanying
President Joko Widodo during
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad visit to Indonesia The influence of "Nine Dragons" would continue under
Joko Widodo and
Prabowo Subianto presidency. During the 79th
Indonesian Independence Day ceremony held in
Nusantara Capital City, Chairman of Agung Sedayu Group,
Sugianto Kusuma; Chairman of Sinar Mas,
Franky Oesman Widjaja; and Chairman of Barito Pacific,
Prajogo Pangestu was seen attending the ceremony with. Kusuma attendance was seen as a sign of his consolidation of investment in the newly built capital as he and other businessmen in attendance announced an investment consortium called "Konsorsium Nusantara". In 2024,
Lippo Group chairman
James Riady along with his father
Mochtar Riady and his other family made a visit to Widodo private residence in
Surakarta months after the end of his presidency, many speculates that Riady visit was to secure his business interest and bridging relationship between Lippo Group and the newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto. Recently, Minister of Housing and Residential Area
Maruarar Sirait joined forces with 4 of alleged group members such as Sugianto Kusuma, Prajogo Pangestu, Franky Oesman Widjaja and
Garibaldi Thohir to build 3 million subsidized housings. During the interview, Maruarar stated that he is not giving the project tender to businessmen entirely but only contact them to partially help the government's program. Due to Maruarar closeness to the alleged members of "Nine Dragons", many people are worried about his connection could cause friction between government and people due to potential conflict of interest. Several alleged members of "Nine Dragons" were also held political positions within the government since Widodo presidency.
Lion Air Group founder
Rusdi Kirana who is a member of
National Awakening Party that are in coalition with Widodo government was appointed by Widodo to serve as Indonesian Ambassador to
Malaysia from 2017 until 2020. Kirana also was elected as member of
House of Representatives since 2024 and currently serve as
Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly.
Mayapada Group founder
Tahir was given a position as member of
Presidential Advisory Council for Widodo government since 2019. == Members ==