History of Rusdi Kirana in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: December 18, 2024

Rusdi Kirana is an Indonesian entrepreneur who founded the budget airline Lion Air. His airline's slogan, "We make people fly," reflects its focus on making air travel accessible. In addition to his business ventures, Kirana has also been involved in Indonesian politics. He was appointed to the Presidential Advisory Council by President Joko Widodo in 2015. He also holds a leadership position within the National Awakening Party, serving as Deputy Chairperson since 2014. Kirana's career demonstrates a blend of entrepreneurial success and political engagement within Indonesia.

August 1963: Birth of Rusdi Kirana

Rusdi Kirana was born in August 1963.

October 1999: Lion Air Founded

In October 1999, Rusdi Kirana founded Lion Air, a budget airline, with an initial investment of US$10 million.

2004: Lion Air's Growth

By 2004, Lion Air became the second largest airline in Indonesia by passenger count, after Garuda Indonesia.

2013: Entry into Politics

Rusdi Kirana entered politics in 2013 after stepping down from his leadership role at Lion Air Group.

January 12, 2014: Deputy Chairperson of the National Awakening Party

Rusdi Kirana began serving as the Deputy Chairperson of the National Awakening Party on January 12, 2014.

January 2014: Joined National Awakening Party

In January 2014, Rusdi Kirana joined the National Awakening Party (PKB) and became its vice chairman.

January 19, 2015: Appointment to Presidential Advisory Council

On January 19, 2015, Rusdi Kirana was selected by President Joko Widodo to serve on the Presidential Advisory Council.

November 16, 2015: Warning Against Minister of Transportation

On November 16, 2015, Rusdi Kirana issued a warning to the Minister of Transportation, Ignasius Jonan, for alleged defamation regarding the Lebak Airport project. Jonan later apologized.

2017: Ambassador to Malaysia

Rusdi Kirana was appointed as Indonesia's Ambassador to Malaysia in 2017 and resigned from PKB.

July 2020: End of Ambassadorship

Rusdi Kirana concluded his service as Indonesia's Ambassador to Malaysia in July 2020.

September 2024: Re-appointment as PKB Deputy Chairman

In September 2024, Rusdi Kirana was re-appointed as deputy chairman of PKB by Muhaimin Iskandar.

October 2024: Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly

On October 4, 2024, Rusdi Kirana was nominated and sworn in as Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly. He subsequently retired from Lion Air to focus on his new role.