In this biography
Quick facts
- Born
- 30 May 1970
- Birthplace
- Jakarta
- Country
- Indonesia
- Nationality
- Indonesian
- Known for
- Building Mahaka Media, investing in global sports teams and leading Indonesian sport institutions
- Current office
- Minister of Youth and Sports, since September 2025
- Football role
- PSSI chairman, since February 2023
- Business group
- Mahaka
- Earlier cabinet office
- State-owned enterprises minister, 2019–2025
Why this life matters
Erick Thohir linked Indonesian media capital with global sports ownership, the 2018 Asian Games, PSSI leadership and national sports policy.
Timeline
Key moments
Built Mahaka’s media portfolio
Developed publishing, radio and other media interests with partners.
Acquired control of Inter Milan
Led an investor group that bought a majority stake and became club president.
Chaired the Asian Games organising committee
Oversaw preparations for the Jakarta–Palembang Asian Games.
Became state-owned enterprises minister
Entered President Joko Widodo’s cabinet and continued under President Prabowo Subianto.
Moved to the sports ministry
Was appointed minister of youth and sports while continuing as PSSI chairman.
Media and the business of sport
Erick Thohir built his early career through the Mahaka media group, then became internationally visible as an investor in basketball and football. His 2013 acquisition of Inter Milan made him the first Asian owner-president of the Italian club.
Organising a continental event
As chair of the 2018 Asian Games organising committee, Erick coordinated venues, operations and public presentation across Jakarta and Palembang. The assignment turned sports ownership experience into a national administrative role.
From SOEs to national sports policy
Erick served as state-owned enterprises minister from 2019 until September 2025, when President Prabowo appointed him minister of youth and sports. He had already become PSSI chairman in 2023, placing football governance and government sports policy within the same public profile.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Erick Thohir
- Who is Erick Thohir?
- Erick Thohir is an entrepreneur, sports administrator and cabinet minister. Erick Thohir linked Indonesian media capital with global sports ownership, the 2018 Asian Games, PSSI leadership and national sports policy.
- What is Erick Thohir best known for?
- Erick Thohir is best known for building Mahaka Media, investing in global sports teams and leading Indonesian sport institutions.
- When and where was Erick Thohir born?
- Erick Thohir was born on 30 May 1970 in Jakarta.
Sources and further reading
How this biography was checked
Core dates and offices are checked against the sources below. This profile was last reviewed on 8 September 2026.
