James (Jim) Castle Chairman & Chief Executive of CastleAsia Summary James Castle is the founder of Business Advisory Strategies Indonesia, which later became known as CastleAsia, a business consultancy specializing in market entry strategies, economic and political analysis and public policy advocacy, in association with PT Jasa Cita. He is also a senior advisor at McLarty Associates based in Jakarta, advising MA clients on matters in Indonesia and in the Southeast Asia region. One of the best known and well established names in business circles in Indonesia, Mr. Castle is a fluent Indonesian speaker and has lived in Jakarta since 1977. For over thirty years, he has advised U.S. and multinational firms on public affairs issues in Indonesia at CastleAsia. In addition to his experience with private sector clients, including running the most prestigious CEO forum in Indonesia, Mr. Castle has also been a consultant to numerous projects for governments and international agencies including the World Bank, IFC, ADB, USAID and the Indonesian government. He currently serves on multiple boards and advisory boards, including motorcycle manufacturer TVS Motor Indonesia and Coca‐Cola Indonesia. Mr. Castle was the only non‐Indonesian appointed by the Minister of Finance to the Indonesian National Team to Review Tax Law Changes in 2005. He appears frequently on CNBC, CNN and BBC as a commentator on Indonesian business and politics. Professional Experience • Mr. Castle has lived in Indonesia since 1977 and has almost 30 years' experience working in, observing, analyzing the Indonesian economy, political developments and business operating environment. • He is the leading authority on Indonesia and has directed more than 100 industrial research and economic forecasting projects and advisor on MNC market entry strategy and public policy advocacy • CastleAsia/BAS was the Economist Group’s Indonesia Associate for about 8 years and today continues to run a senior business executive program in Jakarta, The Indonesia Country Program • Jim has organized and chaired a number of business investment forums in Indonesia including two Indonesia Government Roundtables under the Economist Conferences brand • CastleAsia organizes various business conferences in Jakarta which Jim chairs • CastleAsia is part of a research and advisory network, Asian Expertise (AXP) which conducts syndicated research projects Personal information • His experience has been built up from consulting on the Indonesian business environment since 1977 and has been a resident in Jakarta since that time. • Chairman of the International Chamber of Indonesia (2000‐2002) and is still currently a Board member • President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (1990‐93 & 1999‐2001) and remains a Board member • Member of the Board of Advisors of Coca Cola Indonesia, Board member of the US‐Indonesia Society and Founding Governor of the Indonesian foundation The Nature Conservancy • He was previously a Partner with Touche Ross in their Jakarta office, directing research and analysis • He spent some time as the Director of Southeast Asian Services for Business International, which became part of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s footprint in Asia. • Mr. Castle earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Michigan and a Master's Degree from the University of Hawaii. • Mr. Castle is a former member of the US Peace Corps, based in the Philippines. Ms. Shinta Widjaja Kamdani Managing Director of the Sintesa Group Vice Chair of Environment & Climate Change for Indonesia's Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KADIN), Founder of Global Entrepreneurship Program Indonesia (GEPI), Deputy Chair of the Employers' Association of Indonesia (APINDO), and Executive Board Member of WWF Indonesia and Aids Foundation Indonesia Daughter of business tycoon Johnny Widjaja, Ms. Kamdani manages day‐ to‐day operations at the family‐owned Sintesa Group (formerly known as TIRA Group), which has 17 companies involved in “industry, energy, property, and consumer products.” In January she was one of 13 Indonesians to meet President Barack Obama in Washington to discuss the launch of an entrepreneurship initiative (GEPI) and was named to Forbes’ “Asia’s 50 Powerful Business Women list.” Experience 1987 – 1991: Director of PT Tigaraksa 1989 – 1991: National Sales Manager and Promotion & Purchasing Manager of PT Tigaraksa Satria, a distribution company of PT Tigaraksa 1991 – 1993: Director of PT Dirsa Ulitra Kosmetika 1983 – present: Vice President Director of PT Menara Duta 1994 – present: Director of PT Menara Peninsula 1996 – present: Commissioner of PT Bumi Perkasa Andhika 1997 – present: Commissioner of PT Multi Guna Gas 1998 – present: Commissioner of PT Tigaraksa Satria Tbk 1999 – present: Director of PT Widjajatunggal Sejahtera 2005 – present: Commissioner of PT Blue Gas Indonesia More about the Sintesa Group (from Tigaraksa, popularly known as the TIGARAKSA sintesagroup.com) or TIRA Group. Since its inception PT Widjajatunggal Sejahtera has extended its PT Widjajatunggal Sejahtera, the holding shareholding to include all companies within company of the Sintesa Group, was created in the TIRA Group. The founders of PT 1992 to participate in the ownership of PT Widjajatunggal Sejahtera recognized the network, KADIN Indonesia is the preferred synergistic value of a common shareholding to partner for foreign companies initiating their enable the pursuit of a common goal. In 1999, engagement in Indonesia. the founders of PT Widjajatunggal Sejahtera decided to rename the company to reflect their More on GEPI (from Jakarta Post) group philosophy and legalized it through a According to Shinta, who has been entrusted as respected notary. That marked the birth of the vice chair, GEPI is set up to strengthen the Sintesa Group. The Sintesa Group has growth of entrepreneurship in Indonesia and to investments in many companies, including act as a catalyst in the entrepreneurship companies within the TIRA Group and other strategy in the country. “The objective is to independent companies. Two of the companies make global opportunities available for are listed at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (now Indonesian entrepreneurs in collaboration with called the Indonesia Stock Exchange.) Sintesa ongoing programs and connect the Indonesian succeeded in convincing renowned entrepreneurs with global investment international companies to invest in companies prospects,” she said. ” under the Sintesa Group, creating a powerful domestic international bond. Sintesa is More on APINDO (from gbgindonesia.com) recognized as a group that understands The Indonesia Employers Association is an Indonesia, which is often seen as a country with organizational body which represents immense intricacies presents difficulties to Indonesian employers from both private and foreign investors. Sintesa is always looking for state owned companies throughout the synergies in developing a business: country. It provides a forum for consultation “The best way to merge businesses, is to have a and discussion on key issues impacting merger of minds”, is their corporate credo. employers including manpower, industrial More on KADIN (from www.bsd‐kadin.org) disputes and environmental management as well as ensuring that employers’ concerns are KADIN is focused on all matters relating to taken into account by the government. trade, industry and services, and is highly committed to tapping potentials and synergies of the national economy, offering a strategic forum for Indonesian entrepreneurs. It is privately financed, hence an independent spokesperson of private sector interests. It is also the only nation‐wide business organization mandated by Law No. 1/1987 to speak on behalf of private business, maintaining a privileged liaison to Government Officials and covering all relevant sectors. 33 regional Chambers (KADIN Daerah) and 440 district branches ensure national coverage. Because of this huge Samboja Lodge Samboja Lodge is a property recently developed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF). It is designed as vacation lodging for tourists and volunteers with an interest in environmental preservation. The facility is constructed entirely of recycled materials and furnished with locally‐produced handicrafts. It is located 38 kilometers (23.6 miles) from Balikpapan in a 2,000‐hectare (7.7 square mile) rainforest preserve that is also home to a number of exotic animal species. All rooms have outdoor access via a balcony or patio, and visitors may find exotic birds or tree frogs resting immediately outside. BOSF began purchasing land for this rainforest preserve (called Samboja Lestari) in 2001. Most of the land had been devastated by deforestation, drought, and fires and was replanted with indigenous tree species. By 2009 there were 1,200 species of trees, 137 species of birds and nine species of primates in the preserve. The lodge also overlooks Orangutan Islands, confined areas in which orangutans can roam freely in natural conditions with minimal supervision. At the request of the Indonesian government, BOSF agreed to provide habitation for 52 rescued sun bears on the property. BOSF has also established sugar palm farms around the perimeter of the property to provide a fire shield and income for over 650 families in the impoverished local community. These families receive instruction in sustainable farming practices to ensure long‐term cultivation of the land. AusAID The Australian Government's overseas aid program is improving the lives of millions