The Sofjan Wanandi and the Seven Presidents: My Love for My Country book tells the story of the life of Sofjan Wanandi, who initally became known as a student activist in 1966, and who later earned a reputation as a respected, large-scale businessman. Sofjan has known and been known by all seven presidents of the Republic of Indonesia, from Sukarno to Jokowi, with only the Habibie era bringing exile
"harrassment" and exile.
Sofjan experienced two political "disasters"; one being the 1974 Malari Incident, and the Economic Crisis and political upheaval of 1998-1999. His life was like a yo-yo, moving up and down. In one period he was praised, in another he was denigrated. From the time Sofjan was a student and up to now, Sofjan has thought and spoken critically. He has criticized government economic policies that he perceived as being inappropriate. This is because he loves the people and nation of Indonesia. "My love for my country".
I refer to Sofjan Wanandi as the Chairman of the Foreign Diplomatic Corps in Indonesia. Almost all of the ambassadors to Indonesia, from countries large and small, consult with Sofjan Wanandi to exchange ideas on their duties, and to better acquaint themselves with the situation in Indonesia. In my mind, this has been one of the main contributions of Sofjan thus far.
JUSUF KALLA, Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia (2004-2009 dan 2014-2019)
Sofjan Wanandi is an energetic, hardworking man, who has a far-reaching vision, and the capacity to create breakthroughs. Among his strengths is his prime ability to lobby. It is not surprising that Sofjan has become a businessman with a vast network.
JAKOB OETAMA, Founder of Kompas Daily Newspaper
Sofjan Wanandi's nationalism is unquestionable. He has fought to ensure this nation adheres firmly to its founding principles, who loves the people and nation of Indonesia with all of his heart, and refuses to let Indonesia be a nest of dishonest businesspeople and corruptors.
AHMAD SJAFII MAARIF, Founder of Maarif Institute and
General Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah (1999-2004)
I value all of the critical and corrective input set forth by Sofjan Wanandi. Sofjan has spiritedly and po- litely, never forcibly, conveyed his corrective suggestions to the government. He sets out the realities clearly. Among these being that the government must be efficient and must create jobs.
SRI MULYANI INDRAWATI, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia
(2005-2010 dan 2016-2019)