Murdaya Poo
Murdaya Widyawimarta Poo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Blitar, Indonesia |
| Died | April 7, 2025 (aged 84) Singapore |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician |
| Years active | 1972–2025 |
| Known for | Founder of Central Cipta Murdaya; member of People's Representative Council (2004–2009) |
Murdaya Widyawimarta Poo (12 January 1941 – 7 April 2025) was a prominent Indonesian entrepreneur and political figure with billionaire status. He was the founder of Central Cipta Murdaya, a diversified conglomerate engaged in sectors such as engineering, information technology, palm oil, and plywood. Additionally, he possessed a substantial ownership interest in Metropolitan Kentjana, a publicly traded property development company.
Between 2004 and 2009, Poo served as a member of the People's Representative Council, representing the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP).
Early life and education
Poo was born on 12 January 1941 in Blitar, Indonesia. His early professional journey started with selling newspapers, before transitioning into the construction industry in 1972. In 1992, he founded the Central Cipta Murdaya Group.
Business career
The Central Cipta Murdaya Group has operations spanning engineering, IT, palm oil cultivation, and plywood manufacturing. Among its notable ventures is the Jakarta International Expo, recognized as one of the largest convention venues in Jakarta. Poo held nearly a 50% stake in Metropolitan Kentjana, a real estate developer responsible for managing shopping malls and residential properties within Jakarta.
Net worth
Forbes estimated Poo’s net worth at approximately US$1.2 billion as of March 2023. This valuation placed him as the 37th wealthiest individual in Indonesia and ranked him 2324th worldwide. His fortune was built upon diverse investments across engineering, IT, palm oil plantations, plywood production, and real estate projects such as Pondok Indah Mall, one of Indonesia’s premier shopping centers.
Political career
Joining the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) in 1998, Poo took on roles including treasurer and branch leader within the party. He was elected to serve Jakarta in the People's Representative Council during the 2004 to 2009 legislative period.
Personal life and death
Poo was married to Siti Hartati Murdaya, herself a billionaire and former politician. The couple had four children: Prajna, Metta, Upekkha, and Karuna. Known for his vegetarian lifestyle and passion for golf, Poo passed away from cancer in Singapore on 7 April 2025 at the age of 84.