Muhammad Firman, Jakarta – While the average company lifespan is just 40-50 years, according to Boston Consulting Group, some Indonesian firms have defied the odds, enduring for more than a century. These businesses have weathered colonial transitions, political upheavals, shifting consumer trends, and economic crises, and remain integral to the country's economy.
1. Pos Indonesia (1746)
Established on August 26, 1746, by Dutch East India Company Governor-General Gustaaf Willem Baron van Imhoff, the postal service company was initially created to support trade flows in Batavia (now Jakarta). From its first post office, the network expanded to Semarang in Central Java and beyond, aided by the construction of the Great Post Road under Governor-General Daendels. Today, despite competition from private couriers and digital platforms, Pos Indonesia remains a state-owned enterprise serving logistics and mail delivery nationwide.
2. Bank Rakyat Indonesia – BRI (1895)
The origins of BRI date to December 16, 1895, when Raden Bei Aria Wirjaatmadja launched a microcredit cooperative to help teachers and farmers avoid loan sharks. It evolved into a formal bank, underwent several name changes under Dutch and Japanese rule, and emerged after independence as Bank Rakyat Indonesia, now one of the country's largest state-owned banks.
3. Unilever Indonesia (1933)
Founded on December 5, 1933, as Lever Zeepfabrieken NV, Unilever began with soap manufacturing in North Jakarta. Over 90 years later, its brands – including Lifebuoy, Rinso, Bango, and Dove – are staples in Indonesian households. The company is also recognized for sustainability initiatives, from plastic recycling to rainwater harvesting.
4. Kimia Farma (1817)
Originally established by the Dutch colonial government in 1817 as NV Chemicalien Handle Rathkamp & Co., Kimia Farma supplied medicines for tropical diseases. Nationalized in 1958, it has grown into a major pharmaceutical and healthcare network. Listed on the stock exchange since 2001, it continues to expand its services nationwide.
5. HSBC Indonesia (1884)
HSBC Group has a long history in Indonesia, dating back to 1884 when it opened its first branch in Jakarta under the name The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Indonesia Branch ("HSBC Foreign Bank Branch in Indonesia"). Initially supporting the booming sugar trade and providing credit to plantation owners, the bank has since evolved into a modern financial institution offering retail, commercial, and wealth management services.
6. Pegadaian (1901)
Founded in 1901, Pegadaian was designed to provide quick loans against pawned items. Today, it remains a state-owned enterprise, offering pawn services, gold savings, and microfinance products to millions of Indonesians.
7. Semen Padang (1910)
Indonesia's first cement plant, NV Nederland Indische Portland Cement Maatschappij, opened in West Sumatra in 1910. After nationalization in 1957, it became Semen Padang, contributing to landmark projects such as the National Monument (Monas) and Semanggi Bridge.
8. Sampoerna (1913)
Established in 1913 in Surabaya by Liem Seeng Tee, Sampoerna started with hand-rolled clove cigarettes. Now part of Philip Morris International, it remains one of Indonesia's largest tobacco companies.
9. Kapal Api (1927)
Kapal Api, founded by Go Soe Loet in 1927, pioneered packaged coffee in Indonesia. The brand is now exported to the Middle East and Asia, while maintaining a strong domestic market presence.
10. Multi Bintang Indonesia (1931)
Launched in 1931 in Surabaya as NV Nederlandsch-Indische Bierbrouwerijen, the brewer is best known for Bir Bintang. It has since diversified into non-alcoholic beverages and holds a leading position in Indonesia's beer market.