Top 15 Famous Personalities from Indonesia

Famous People-featured

Indonesia is a country rich with talented individuals who have made a name for themselves both within the nation and internationally. From actors and musicians to politicians and scientists, here is a list of the top 10 famous individuals from Indonesia, including those who were born in California or have strong connections to the state.

  • Agnez Mo (Musician): Agnez Mo, originally born in Jakarta, Indonesia, gained fame as a singer, songwriter, and actress. Her success led her to collaborations with international artists such as Chris Brown and Timbaland.
  • Anggun (Musician): Anggun, born in Jakarta, achieved international fame with her unique blend of traditional Indonesian music and contemporary pop. She has released albums in various languages and represented France in the Eurovision Song Contest.
  • Michelle Kwan (Figure Skater): Although born in California to Indonesian immigrant parents, Michelle Kwan is a figure skater of Indonesian descent who won multiple Olympic medals and World Championships. She is considered one of the greatest figure skaters in history.
  • Susi Susanti (Badminton Player): Susi Susanti, born in Tasikmalaya, West Java, made history by becoming the first Indonesian to win an Olympic gold medal in badminton. Her achievements in the sport elevated Indonesia’s reputation in the world of badminton.
  • Iko Uwais (Actor, Martial Artist): Born in Jakarta, Iko Uwais is best known for his roles in the action films “The Raid” and “The Raid 2.” He gained international recognition for his exceptional martial arts skills and has since appeared in Hollywood productions.
  • Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Politician): Known as Ahok, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama served as the Governor of Jakarta. Born in Manggar, Belitung, he made significant contributions to infrastructure development and governance, earning both praise and controversy during his tenure.
  • Raisa (Singer): Raisa Andriana, commonly known as Raisa, is an Indonesian singer-songwriter. Her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have made her one of Indonesia’s most beloved artists. Raisa is also popular in California’s Indonesian community.
  • Rudy Hartono (Badminton Player): Rudy Hartono is considered a legend in the sport of badminton. Born in Surabaya, he won multiple All England Championships and dominated the badminton scene throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
  • Tasya Teles (Actress): Although born in Toronto, Canada, Tasya Teles has Indonesian heritage and has gained recognition for her role as Echo in the TV series “The 100.” She has also appeared in other popular shows and movies.
  • Ir. Soekarno (Politician): Ir. Soekarno, known as Indonesia’s first president, played a pivotal role in the nation’s independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945. He remains an iconic figure in Indonesian history.

These individuals from Indonesia, whether born in California or having strong connections with the state, have made significant contributions to various fields, including music, sports, acting, politics, and more. Their achievements have not only brought pride to Indonesia but have also captivated audiences around the world. They serve as inspirations for future generations, showcasing the immense talent and potential that Indonesia has to offer.

One of the historic site of people from Indonesia

Most Famous Celebrities from Indonesia

Here are the top 5 famous celebrities from Indonesia, including those with strong connections to California:

  • Rudy Youngblood (Born: September 21, 1982)
  • Agnez Mo (Birth Name: Agnes Monica Muljoto, Born: July 1, 1986)
  • Raisa Andriana (Born: June 6, 1990)
  • Joe Taslim (Born: June 23, 1981)
  • Anggun (Birth Name: Anggun Cipta Sasmi, Born: April 29, 1974)

1. Rudy Youngblood: Although born in Belton, Texas, Rudy Youngblood is of Comanche and Cree descent with Indonesian and German ancestry. He gained international recognition for his role as Jaguar Paw in the film “Apocalypto” (2006), directed by Mel Gibson. His performance showcased his acting skills and physical abilities, propelling him to fame.

2. Agnez Mo: Agnez Mo is a multitalented Indonesian artist who is widely recognized for her achievements in music, acting, and entrepreneurship. She started her career at a young age and gained popularity as a singer, releasing numerous successful albums in Indonesia. Agnez Mo made her mark in the international music scene with collaborations featuring artists like Chris Brown and Timbaland. Her powerful voice and captivating stage presence continue to enthrall audiences worldwide.

3. Raisa Andriana: Raisa Andriana, known simply as Raisa, is a renowned Indonesian singer-songwriter. Her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have touched millions of fans. Raisa’s music style combines pop, R&B, and jazz, captivating listeners with her smooth vocals. She has won multiple awards for her music and continues to create exceptional songs that resonate with her fans.

4. Joe Taslim: Born in Palembang, Indonesia, Joe Taslim is an actor, martial artist, and a former Judo athlete. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Sergeant Jaka in the critically acclaimed Indonesian martial arts film “The Raid” (2011). Joe Taslim’s impressive martial arts skills, combined with his on-screen presence, have contributed to his success both in Indonesia and internationally. He has since appeared in Hollywood productions like “Fast & Furious 6” (2013) and “Star Trek Beyond” (2016), continuing to showcase his talent on the global stage.

5. Anggun: Anggun is an Indonesian-born singer-songwriter who achieved international fame with her pop music infused with traditional Indonesian elements. She started her career in Indonesia and later moved to France, where she gained significant recognition for her music. Anggun’s unique voice and style have earned her numerous accolades, including the “World’s Best-Selling Indonesian Artist” award. She has collaborated with various artists worldwide and continues to mesmerize audiences with her enchanting performances.

Top Richest Individuals from Indonesia

Here is a list of the top 5 richest people from Indonesia, including those with strong connections to California:

  • R. Budi Hartono – Expertise: Tobacco Industry
  • Michael Sampoerna – Expertise: Tobacco Industry
  • Tedy Sariaatmadja – Expertise: Banking
  • Robert Budi Setiawan Hartanto – Expertise: Auto Parts Manufacturing
  • Djoko Susanto – Expertise: Cement Industry

1. R. Budi Hartono:

R. Budi Hartono is the co-owner of the Djarum Group, an Indonesian conglomerate with interests in the tobacco industry. He and his brother, Michael Sampoerna, inherited the company from their father and expanded it into one of the largest tobacco producers in Indonesia. With a net worth of billions, Budi Hartono is often regarded as one of the richest people in Indonesia.

2. Michael Sampoerna:

Michael Sampoerna, like his brother Budi Hartono, is a co-owner of the Djarum Group. He also has a significant connection to California, as he was born in Los Angeles and studied at California State University, Long Beach. With his expertise in the tobacco industry and the success of Djarum, Sampoerna has built a substantial fortune.

3. Tedy Sariaatmadja:

Tedy Sariaatmadja is an Indonesian entrepreneur who made his wealth in the banking sector. He is the former Chief Executive Officer of Bank Mandiri, the largest bank in Indonesia. Although born in Jakarta, Sariaatmadja earned his MBA from California State University, Fullerton, and has extensive experience in the international banking arena.

4. Robert Budi Setiawan Hartanto:

Robert Budi Setiawan Hartanto is the founder and owner of Astra Group, a conglomerate primarily involved in the automotive industry and other sectors such as heavy machinery, mining, and financial services. While Hartanto was born in Surabaya, he obtained his Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Stanford University in California, demonstrating his strong connection to the state.

5. Djoko Susanto:

Djoko Susanto is an Indonesian businessman who made his fortune in the cement industry. He is the owner of Indocement, one of Indonesia’s leading cement producers and a subsidiary of the German company HeidelbergCement. While Susanto was born in Purwodadi, Indonesia, he studied Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, before returning to Indonesia to establish his successful cement business.

These individuals have not only amassed great wealth but have also established strong connections to California through education or other business ventures. Their expertise in various industries has enabled them to build successful enterprises and contribute to Indonesia’s economic growth.

One of Indonesia’s iconic sites

The Most Famous Rappers from Indonesia

Here is a list of the top 5 famous rappers from Indonesia, including those who were born in California or have strong connections to the state:

  • Rich Brian (Brian Imanuel)

    Rich Brian, formerly known as Rich Chigga, is an Indonesian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He gained popularity through social media platforms like YouTube and Twitter. His breakthrough single “Dat $tick” went viral in 2016, and since then, he has released multiple successful projects, including his debut album “Amen” in 2018. Rich Brian is known for his unique style that blends trap and hip-hop elements, and he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Gucci Mane and 21 Savage.

  • Lil Pump (Gazzy Garcia)

    Lil Pump is an American rapper of Indonesian and Mexican descent. Although born in Miami, Florida, Lil Pump’s mother is of Indonesian and Dutch descent, which gives him a strong connection to Indonesia. He rose to fame with his hits like “Gucci Gang” and “Esskeetit,” known for their catchy hooks and energetic delivery. Lil Pump’s style often incorporates elements of trap music and his flamboyant personality has made him a popular figure in the hip-hop community.

  • Rich Edwards

    Rich Edwards, also known as Rich Rocka, is an Indonesian-American rapper and songwriter hailing from California. He gained recognition through his mixtapes and collaborations with notable West Coast artists. Rich Edwards’ lyrical prowess and delivery have earned him a dedicated fan base. He has worked with artists such as E-40, The Game, and Yo Gotti, further establishing his presence in the rap scene.

  • Dony Rific (Dony Wicaksono)

    Dony Rific, also known as Dony Wicaksono, is an Indonesian-born rapper and entrepreneur based in California. He began his musical journey by uploading his songs on SoundCloud and quickly gained attention for his unique flow and storytelling abilities. Dony Rific’s style combines elements of trap, self-reflection, and social commentary. Additionally, he co-founded a record label called “Bad Lip Vibes” and continues to release his music independently.

  • Abdel Achrian (Achrian Alamsyah)

    Abdel Achrian, better known by his stage name Achriel, is an Indonesian rapper and actor based in California. He gained fame through his appearances in Indonesian hip-hop competitions and later pursued a career in acting. Achriel’s music focuses on topics such as love, life experiences, and social issues. He has released several albums and continues to build his reputation as a versatile artist in both the music and film industry.

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