Jusuf Kalla served as the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, representing the only instance in the nation's history of a candidate holding two non-consecutive terms in that office. Born in 1942 in Watampone, he built an extensive career oscillating between major entrepreneurial ventures and significant political roles within the Indonesian government.
Business Development
Kalla graduated from the Economics Faculty at Hasanuddin University in 1967. Facing economic stagnation, he assumed control of his father's firm in 1968. Under his leadership, the organization expanded from an import-export trading base into a diversified conglomerate covering construction, infrastructure, shipping, real estate, and transportation. He later expanded his academic credentials by graduating from INSEAD in 1977.
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His political engagement began during his university years through the Indonesian Student Action Front. By 1987, he secured an appointment to the People's Consultative Assembly, a position he held through successive terms until 1999. In 1999, he was appointed Minister of Industry and Trade under President Abdurrahman Wahid, serving briefly before entering the cabinet of President Megawati Sukarnoputri as Coordinating Minister of People's Welfare.
Vice Presidency and Conflict Resolution
During his tenure as Coordinating Minister, Kalla gained prominence for facilitating the Malino II Accord in 2001 and the Malino Declaration in 2002, which addressed inter-religious conflicts in Sulawesi and Ambon. In 2004, he successfully ran for Vice President alongside Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, winning the election. He returned to the vice presidency in 2014 as the running mate for Joko Widodo.
Institutional Involvement
Beyond government, Kalla has maintained leadership roles in various sectors. Since 2009, he has served as the chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross Society. His organizational history includes chairing the Indonesian Economics Graduates Association in Makassar and coordinating the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in eastern Indonesia. Additionally, he has funded and supported academic institutions, notably the Jusuf Kalla School of Government.
Fast facts
- Born: 1942, Watampone
- Education: Hasanuddin University, INSEAD
- Vice President of Indonesia: 2004-2009, 2014-2019
- Political Party: Golkar
- Chairman of Indonesian Red Cross Society: 2009-present
- Awards: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (2022)
- Awards: Commander of the Order of Leopold (2009)
- Languages: Indonesian
Questions readers ask
What specific vice presidential terms did Jusuf Kalla serve?
He served as the 10th Vice President from 2004 to 2009 and the 12th Vice President from 2014 to 2019.
What is Kalla's background in conflict resolution?
He facilitated the Malino II Accord in 2001 to resolve conflict in Poso and the Malino Declaration in 2002 to address conflict in Ambon and Molucca.
Achievements
- Vice President of Indonesia (2004–2009)
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun — 2022
- Educated at Hasanuddin University and INSEAD
