Jakarta - It is an open secret that the late president Soeharto had a mutually beneficial relationship with Indonesia's former richest man, Liem Sioe Liong, also known as Soedono Salim, during the former's three-decade reign, which ended in May 1998.

Former New Order era activist Budiman Sudjatmiko told Tempo on Monday that both characters had needed each other to pursue their own interests.

"While Liem needed Soeharto to protect his business ventures, the former's economic achievements benefited Soeharto throughout his tenure as president," said Budiman, who is currently a lawmaker with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).

Liem, who migrated to Indonesia from China in 1936, met Soeharto in the 1950s, when the latter served as commander of the Diponegoro Division, responsible for Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces.

At the time, Soeharto entrusted Liem to supply his military unit with goods and materials.

Liem asked his two close friends, Djuhar Sutanto and Ibrahim Risjad, along with Soeharto's cousin, Sudwikatmono, to establish PT Waringin Kentjana, which was an embryo of the current household name, the Salim Group.

In the 1960s, Liem started to climb his way to the country's top business position, starting as a clove distributor, which was a business that grew rapidly due to the massive demand for kretek (clove cigarettes).

In the next decade, his business grew stronger and established giant flour factory, PT Bogasari Flour Mills, which later grew into consumer goods company PT Indofood. He soon established other ventures from Indosiar, Indocement to Indomobil.

Budiman told Tempo that without his well-established relationship with Soeharto, Liem would not have become the country's biggest tycoon.

"Once the New Order regime ended amid the May 1998 riots, Liem's Salim Group no longer had the same 'facilities' that they used to. However, they were clever enough to adapt to the new situation, and thus they still endure today," said Budiman.

Liem, who relocated to Singapore in 1998 amid the chaos of the monetary crisis, passed away on Sunday afternoon. His former protector, Soeharto, succumbed to health complications in 2008.

He is survived by his wife, Lie Las Nio, and children Albert, Andre, Anthony and Mira.

Liem's body was at Mount Vernon Funeral Parlor at 121 Aljunied Road in Singapore as of Monday afternoon, local time. It was reported that his burial would be held in Singapore on June 17.

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Photos: ST, Lianhe Wanbao, BT, TNP, AFP, Salim Group, Kompas

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