At first glance, Gita Sjahrir is often mistaken for just another secretary or typist. It’s only when her surname is mentioned that colleagues realise she is, in fact, a managing director of one of Indonesia’s leading power companies.
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Earlier this year, the 43-year-old assumed responsibility for investor relations at TBS Energi, which was founded by her uncle, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, chairman of Indonesia’s National Economic Council and a former coordinating minister.
Her entry into the firm was prompted by her brother, Pandu, chief investment officer at sovereign wealth fund Danantara, who told her about TBS Energi’s recent pivot into waste management, an area in which she had long held an interest.
When asked how she handles criticism regarding her career ascent and family connections, Gita has no qualms about owning her privilege.
‘Nepo baby’ Gita Sjahrir on privilege and being a woman leader in a male-dominated space
‘Nepo baby’ Gita Sjahrir on privilege and being a woman leader in a male-dominated space
“I am very much a proud nepo baby,” she told This Week in Asia.
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