Few companies can endure for a long time. According to Boston Consulting Group, the average corporate lifespan is only about 40–50 years. Any company surviving beyond that is considered fortunate.

Reaching such longevity is challenging due to threats like mismanagement, internal conflicts, and external crises, which often shorten a company’s existence. Companies that do last have proven resilience against various economic and political shocks and continuously innovate to remain strong.

An even greater challenge arises when a company is run across multiple generations, passed down from one to the next. Only a small number manage to achieve this.

There are 10 of the oldest companies in Indonesia that have survived through changing eras and continue to operate today. They have maintained relevance through innovation and their significant roles. Here is the list:

1. Pos Indonesia (1746)
   The high volume of trade in the Dutch East Indies prompted Governor-General of the VOC, Gustaaf Willem Baron van Imhoff, to establish a postal delivery system to facilitate commerce.
   On August 26, 1746, the first post office in Batavia was established. According to The Archives of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the Local Institutions in Batavia (2007), the purpose was successfully met.
   Over time, with the opening of a post office in Semarang and Daendels’ construction of the Great Post Road, postal services expanded. Despite political and economic upheavals during colonial times, the postal system continued into the independence era with offices across Indonesian cities. Today, Pos Indonesia still operates despite stiff competition and digitalization.

2. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (1895)
   BRI is one of Indonesia’s largest banks and has remained in the big four. Its history began when Raden Bei Aria Wirjaatmadja used mosque funds of 4,000 guilders to help teachers, civil servants, and farmers avoid loan sharks.
   On December 16, 1895, together with colleagues, he founded De Poerwokertosche Hulp en Spaarbank der Inlandsche Hoofden.
   In 1934, it became Algemene Volkscrediet Bank (AVB), later renamed Syomin Ginko during the Japanese occupation. After independence, it became Bank Rakyat Indonesia under state ownership.

3. Unilever (1933)
   Founded in England in 1930 through the merger of Margarine Unie and Lever & Co, Unilever entered Indonesia on December 5, 1933, establishing a factory in Angke, North Jakarta.
   Over more than nine decades, Unilever has significantly shaped Indonesia’s economy and lifestyle, with its products becoming household names.
   In 2023, it distributed economic value worth Rp38.92 trillion, employing 4,800 people, 500,000 small retailers, and tens of thousands of farmers. It pioneered halal certification for FMCG factories in 1994 and implemented environmentally sustainable practices.

4. Kimia Farma (1817)
   As Indonesia’s first pharmaceutical company, Kimia Farma began as NV Chemicalien Handle Rathkamp & Co in 1817, serving the Dutch East Indies’ need for modern medicines.
   Nationalized in 1958, it became Kimia Farma and went public in 2001. Today, it continues expanding its product range and pharmacy network.

5. Bank HSBC Indonesia (1884)
   HSBC, headquartered in Hong Kong, opened in Batavia in 1884 to finance the thriving sugar trade. It has remained in Indonesia ever since, adapting to the country’s evolving market.

6. Pegadaian (1901)
   Established to provide pawn services for quick access to cash, Pegadaian is now a state-owned enterprise offering financial services including gold savings, accessible to all levels of society.

7. Semen Padang (1910)
   Founded as NV Nederland Indische Portland Cement Maatschappij (NIPCM), the first cement factory in Southeast Asia played a pivotal role in Indonesia’s modernization.
   Nationalized in 1957, Semen Padang supplied materials for landmarks like the National Monument and Hotel Indonesia.

8. Sampoerna (1913)
   Founded by Liem Seeng Tee, Sampoerna became famous for its Djie Sam Soe kretek cigarettes. By 1940, production reached 3 million sticks per week. It remains a leading cigarette producer.

9. Kapal Api (1927)
   Founded by Go Soe Loet, Kapal Api pioneered packaged ground coffee in Indonesia. Its products reached international markets starting in 1985.

10. Multi Bintang Indonesia (1931)
    Originally NV Nederlandsch-Indische Bierbrouwerijen in Surabaya, the company is known for Bir Bintang. It now offers non-alcoholic variants and maintains high-quality standards.