The figure of South Kalimantan businessman Andi Syamsuddin Arsyad, better known as Haji Isam, has once again drawn public attention after attending the initial public offering (IPO) of PT Rans Entertainment Indonesia Tbk (RANS) on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. His presence alongside major figures like Raffi Ahmad and Boy Thohir cements his new position in the creative industry, where Raffi openly referred to Haji Isam as both a mentor and a shareholder in his company.
Before building a giant business empire under the banner of the Jhonlin Group, Haji Isam's life journey started from the bottom. Born in Bone on January 1, 1977, he once worked various manual jobs, from a motorcycle taxi driver (ojek) to a heavy equipment operator in South Kalimantan. The turning point of his career occurred in 2003 with the establishment of PT Jhonlin Baratama, an initial step that led him to receive the Bintang Mahaputera Utama award from President Prabowo Subianto in August 2025.
To this day, the coal mining sector remains the main pillar of Jhonlin Group's revenue. Through PT Jhonlin Baratama, this conglomerate manages its coal supply chain independently and integrated from upstream to downstream. Jhonlin Group reduces operational costs by owning its own supporting infrastructure, such as hauling roads, special ports, and a fleet of barges under PT Jhonlin Marine Lines and PT Dua Samudera Perkasa.
Not content with just the mining sector, Jhonlin Group is also establishing its influence in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors through PT Jhonlin Agro Raya Tbk (JARR). This listed company produces crude palm oil (CPO) and operates a biodiesel plant inaugurated by President Joko Widodo in 2021. This agribusiness diversification also includes the sugar industry in Bombana, Southeast Sulawesi, managed to strengthen national food security.
Haji Isam's financial strength is also reflected in his stock portfolio in the capital market, including PT Pradiksi Gunatama Tbk (PGUN) and JARR. His latest expansion strategy was marked by the acquisition of approximately 21.12 percent of shares in the nickel company PT Abadi Nusantara Hijau Investama Tbk (PACK) worth IDR 936 billion in May 2026. This strategic move marks Jhonlin Group's entry into the raw mineral ecosystem supporting electric vehicles.
By expanding into the creative industry alongside RANS, Haji Isam's business portfolio has become increasingly diversified. The vertical integration model applied to his business units has proven effective in minimizing dependence on third parties. This success solidifies Jhonlin Group's position as one of the most dynamic and influential conglomerates in Indonesia today.
