Head of Government Affairs, Indonesia

Job description

We are seeking a senior Head of Government Affairs to join our new regional office in Indonesia, leading the Group's engagement with government (regulators and legislators) and key policy stakeholders. Reporting to the Country Head of Indonesia, the Head of Government Affairs will establish and lead the government affairs function for Jardine Matheson in Indonesia, providing political and regulatory intelligence, safeguarding the Group's license to operate, and supporting the strategic positioning of the Group and its portfolio companies — including major interests in the Indonesian market — with national and regional authorities. Translating Indonesia's political, legislative and regulatory dynamics into clear strategic counsel and actionable engagement programs. The role requires deep institutional knowledge of the Indonesian government and parliament, an established senior network across the executive, legislative and business communities, exceptional analytical capabilities, and the highest standards of integrity. Government & Regulatory Engagement Establish and maintain trusted, senior-level relationships across the Indonesian government, including coordinating ministries, ministries, regulators, national level legislative branch of the government, and key sub-national authorities relevant to the Group's interests. Represent Jardine Matheson and support portfolio companies in engagements with government stakeholders, ensuring the Group's positions are communicated with clarity, consistency and credibility. Design and execute structured stakeholder engagement programs, including stakeholder mapping, engagement calendars and escalation protocols for sensitive matters. Political & Policy Intelligence Lead the systematic monitoring and analysis of Indonesia's political, legislative and regulatory landscape, including draft laws, government regulations, ministerial policies and electoral dynamics affecting the Group and its portfolio. Produce high-quality intelligence products for board-level and shareholder audiences — including regular political and policy briefings, scenario analyses, risk registers and deep-dive assessments of specific regulatory developments. Provide early warning of political and regulatory risks and opportunities, with clear assessments of implications and recommended courses of action. Strategic Counsel & Reputation Management Advise the Country Head on political risk, government relations strategy and public policy positioning. Contribute government affairs perspectives to investment assessments, due diligence and strategic reviews, ensuring political and regulatory factors are properly weighted in decision-making. Function Building & Cross-Group Coordination Build the government affairs function and effective team work for the Indonesia office from the ground up, including frameworks, standard products, and engagement protocols. Coordinate closely with the government affairs teams of portfolio companies to ensure alignment of positions, messaging and engagement across the Group. Manage relations with external advisors, industry associations, chambers of commerce and diplomatic missions as appropriate. • Minimum 15 years of senior experience in government affairs, public policy or political advisory roles, gained in multinational corporations, or state-linked institutions (government and parliament), and leading advisory firms. • Deep, demonstrated knowledge of the Indonesian political system, legislative process and regulatory environment, including hands-on experience within or alongside ministries, legislators, and state institutions. • An established, senior-level network across Indonesia's executive branch, parliament, state-owned and sovereign investment institutions, and the business community. • Proven experience advising boards, C-suites and international investors on political risk, regulatory strategy and stakeholder engagement in Indonesia. • Strong analytical capability, with a track record of producing structured, methodologically rigorous intelligence and advisory products for senior decision-makers. • Exposure to international policy environments — including experience in or with the United States or other major markets — and familiarity with the expectations of global investors. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Bahasa Indonesia and English, including the ability to produce bilingual, board-ready materials. • Unquestioned integrity, sound judgment and the discretion required to manage sensitive political and commercial matters. Jardine Matheson is a diversified, Asia-focused investment group with a nearly 200-year legacy of long-term value creation. Founded in China in 1832, we invest in and support a portfolio of market-leading businesses across the region. Our purpose is to deliver superior, sustainable returns for shareholders while contributing positively to the communities we serve. At Jardines, we value adaptability, collaboration, integrity, and sound judgment and seek employees who take ownership, embrace challenges, and drive long-term success.