Book Review: Indonesia's Oligarchic Chess Game Explored in 'Red Lotus Protocol'

Alfred Boediman's latest book, "Red Lotus Protocol: The Hidden Game That Rules the Nation" (2026), likens Indonesia's political landscape to a chess game. In this game, the nation is the board, its citizens are the pieces, and oligarchic families are the unseen players manipulating the rules.

Boediman introduces the concept of "Premanisme Kapital," a hybrid system that blends business and politics. This system, he argues, is more insidious than simple crony capitalism. It thrives on intimidation and business interests, all while maintaining a facade of democracy. The "Premanisme Kapital" allows oligarchic families to wield power through subtle influence and direct control, not just by manipulating markets, but by altering the very framework of the game.

The book delves into the intricate power relations between businessmen and rulers, tracing this dynamic from 1965 to 1998. While acknowledging similar patterns in the Sukarno era with figures like Teuku Nyak Markam and Agoes Moesin Dasaad, Boediman focuses on the enduring relationship between businessman Liem Sioe Liong and President Soeharto. This connection, which began with Liem supplying logistics to Soeharto's military units in the 1950s, solidified during the post-1965 period when political upheaval created opportunities for new power structures to emerge.

Boediman emphasizes that the most effective players in this "Premanisme Kapital" are those who operate behind the scenes. They avoid the spotlight, preferring to work from the shadows, their influence rooted in inherited wealth and connections. This hidden network, characterized by its invisibility and lack of public fanfare, is the true engine driving the nation's game.