From Angkot Conductor to Minister, Bahlil Marks 50 Years with 10 Books

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia marked his 50th birthday by launching 10 books at once. Behind the event, Bahlil again told the story of his life from a simple family in Papua to entering the cabinet and leading the Golkar Party.

The book launch was held at the Jakarta Theater, Friday, August 7, and was attended by President Prabowo Subianto and a number of officials and political figures.

Bahlil said the number of books that were originally prepared was only eight. However, he then increased it to 10.

"My book is actually eight books, not 10. But because of the sand, Sandi 08 is the President, so I just made it 10 books," said Bahlil.

The contents of the book take a lot of Bahlil's experience while in government, ranging from downstream policies, investments, the Batang Industrial Estate, electric vehicles, to natural resource management.

Bahlil said that some of the books had already been compiled when he was still serving as Minister of Investment.

In between stories about policies, Bahlil also remembered his childhood and adolescence in Papua.

He admitted that he had sold coconut and cakes to help his family. When he was in SMP, Bahlil also became a conductor of angkot.

"I came home because life was hard," he said.

Bahlil then recalled his father's harsh rebuke. At that time, his father questioned what he would become if he continued to live like that.

According to Bahlil, the incident stuck firmly in his memory and encouraged him to one day give the best answer to his parents.

He also presented the books to his late father and mother.

Bahlil said he had never felt inferior to being born from a simple family. He called his mother, who had worked as a housekeeper, a "professor of life" who taught him about brotherhood, honesty, loyalty, and hard work.

"I have never regretted being born from the womb of a woman who is a domestic helper. I have never felt inferior," said Bahlil.

He said his life journey from Papua to becoming Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and Chairman of the Golkar Party had never been thought of before.

For Bahlil, the 10 books are a record of the long journey as well as a collection of experiences during his involvement in organizations, business, and government.