After 6 PM: Beyond the Family Tree Vol. III with Kawan Lama Group
The Kawan Lama family shared candid stories about building governance early, navigating generations, and investing for the long term. Hosted by Simpan Asset Management.
On Wednesday, 1 October 2025, we hosted the third edition of our family office forum series, After 6 PM: Beyond the Family Tree, at 25Hours Hotel, SCBD, Jakarta. This time, we welcomed the family behind one of the country’s most iconic brands — the Kawan Lama Group, represented by Ibu Tarisa Widya Krisnadi (2nd generation) and Ibu Tiara Widjaja (3rd generation).
Creating a Platform for Family Offices in Indonesia
The After 6 PM series is a collaboration between Simpan Asset Management and our partner from Singapore, AXSA, an independent investment management firm serving clients globally. Together, we provide end-to-end investment services to family offices, institutions, and financial intermediaries.
Through this series, we aim to create a platform for family offices in Indonesia to exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn from one another.
In more mature markets such as the West, it’s common for family offices to openly share insights and collaborate to elevate the industry. In Asia, however, these conversations often remain private and limited. We want to change that by fostering a space where Indonesian family offices can engage in meaningful, open discussions about governance, succession, and long-term wealth management.
Building a Family Office Before Challenges Arise
One of the most striking reflections came from Ibu Tarisa:
“I wish I knew earlier to establish and crucially implement a family constitution before any problems come to surface.”
The Kawan Lama family highlighted how a proactive approach to governance helps create clarity, reduce conflict, and set the foundation for generations to come.
Navigating Generational Transitions
The discussion also touched on the challenges of succession and involvement of newer generations. Ibu Tiara emphasized that beyond structures and systems, the human side matters most: maintaining open communication, making quality time over meals, and keeping the spirit of learning alive between generations.
An Endowment-Style Philosophy
In managing their family office, Ibu Tiara explained that their investment philosophy follows an endowment-style approach. With a longer-term horizon, the endowment fund is meant to be their nest egg for successive generations. Acknowledging the importance of expertise, the family chose to outsource their CIO function, working with investment professionals to help manage their endowment portfolio.
An Evening of Shared Wisdom
The session provided candid insights into how one of Indonesia’s legendary family enterprises navigates the complexities of wealth, governance, and legacy. We are grateful to the Kawan Lama family for their openness, and to our guests for joining us in this meaningful conversation.
If you and your family would like to explore how AXSA–Simpan can partner with you in building and growing your legacy, we would be delighted to walk you through.