Djan Faridz

Faridz was born in Jakarta on 5 August 1950[1] to Mohammad and Aisha Djan.[2] He attended St. Fransiskus Elementary School from 1957 to 1963, then Kanisius Junior High School from 1963 to 1966 and State Senior High School 2 Jakarta from 1966 to 1969.[2] He then attended Tarumanagara University, where he graduated with a degree in architecture.[2]

Faridz's first business was a welder's stall, which eventually began selling building materials.[2] In 1996 Faridz founded PT Dizamatra Powerindo,[1] a private contractor that has been used by Pertamina.[3] He has also been involved with property speculation, and was once member of the Young Entrepreneurs' Association[4]

In 2004 Faridz became involved with the Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama, becoming the Jakarta branch's treasurer by 2009.[5]

In 2009, Faridz was elected as a representative of Jakarta at the Regional Representative Council[1] with a total of 200,000 votes, placing third overall.[5] He received most of his support from Nahdlatul Ulama and businessment.[5] As a representative, he focused on preserving Betawi culture and increasing Jakarta's economic capabilities,[6] with a focus on the traditional markets.[5]

On 17 October 2011, he was chosen as the new Minister of Public Housing,[1] which led to his withdrawing a bid to run for Governor of Jakarta.[7] Also in 2011 he was chosen to lead the Jakarta chapter of Nahdlatul Ulama until 2014.[1]

In 2000 the Indonesia Corruption Watch reported that Faridz had received non-transparent grants to fund power substations.[1] In 2004 Faridz led the renovation of the textile market at Tanah Abang, which raised controversy.[1] He is known to have good relations with politicians and military figures, including President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.[1]

Faridz is married to Nini Widjaja.[2] Together they live in Menteng.[2] The couple has seven children.[2]

Footnotes

Bibliography

• Official website