Trump Family’s Mega Project in Indonesia Reaches USD 1.7 Billion

Prabowo Subianto met Donald Trump during the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit held at the International Congress Centre in Sharm El-Sheikh, Arab Republic of Egypt, on Monday, October 13, 2025. (Photo: BPMI Setpres)

NusantaraPol – Global business and political circles were abuzz this week after Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was caught on a hot mic moment casually mentioning Eric Trump, son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, during a high-profile meeting of world leaders following the Gaza ceasefire agreement on October 13, 2025.

The offhand remark, which quickly went viral on social media, prompted CNN to ask Eric Trump—Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization—for comment.

In the interview, Eric expressed pride in what he described as recognition of the “magnitude and excellence” of the luxury real estate projects the Trump Organization has developed in Indonesia over the past decade. He said that he feels honored that the President of Indonesia is aware of it, and clearly, the president mentioned it because the projects are the most consequential real estate developments in the region.

He emphasized that although both he and his father are now “behind a great wall” separating their business from politics, the fact that a world leader would reference their projects underscored their impact. “I’ve never met the President of Indonesia,” Eric added, noting that the meeting request itself was a testament to the scale and prominence of their developments rather than political ties.

Two Ultra-Luxury Projects with MNC Group

Eric referred to two large-scale projects developed in partnership with MNC Group, owned by Indonesian tycoon Hary Tanoesoedibjo. The collaboration began around 2014–2015 and marks one of the Trump Organization’s most significant ventures in Southeast Asia.

According to the Trump Organization’s official website, both projects carry the Trump brand and feature ultra-luxury integrated resort concepts—billed as “six-star destinations.”

Trump International Golf Club Lido

Part of the Lido City Special Economic Zone (KEK Lido) spanning 3,000 hectares.

Occupies roughly 350 hectares, featuring a World Championship 18-hole golf course designed by Ernie Els, a six-star Trump International Hotel & Tower, condominiums, and luxury mansions.

Nestled between Mount Salak and Mount Gede-Pangrango, the site is accessible via the Bocimi Toll Road, about an hour from Jakarta.

Trump International Golf Club and Resort Bali

Located within the MNC Bali Resort, covering 102 hectares, overlooking the iconic Tanah Lot Temple.

Includes the Trump International Resort, Golf Club & Residences Bali, with a course designed by Phil Mickelson, a beach club, and a 150-room luxury hotel.

The total estimated investment for the two projects was US$2 billion (around Rp 28.6 trillion) at launch.

Questions Over Conflict of Interest and KEK Status

Despite Eric’s insistence that the projects began before his father’s presidency and are fully managed by the family, the ventures have drawn scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest.

The Lido project, designated as a Tourism Special Economic Zone (KEK) by the Indonesian government, enjoys extensive tax incentives—including a 20-year income tax holiday and exemptions on value-added tax (VAT) and luxury goods tax (PPnBM) for developers and investors.

Critics argue that these privileges, combined with the Trump name’s political weight, could blur the line between business and diplomacy. Nonetheless, supporters see the developments as a major boost to Indonesia’s tourism and investment landscape—potentially placing the country on the map of global luxury destinations.