It is with profound sadness that I inform you of the passing of the Honorary Chairman of Sinarmas LDA Maritime, Mr. Philippe Louis-Dreyfus.

Known affectionately here in Indonesia as Pak Philippe, he was a visionary entrepreneur, a renowned shipowner, and a true lover of Indonesia. He made the pivotal decision to establish Louis Dreyfus Armateurs’ presence in Indonesia in the early 1990s, which ultimately led to the creation of our SLM.

For 35 years, he championed the relationship between France and Indonesia—serving as chairman of the Indonesian chapter of MEDEF INTERNATIONAL and through his unwavering commitment as a member of the French Foreign Trade Advisors (Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France).

Mr. Philippe led more than 20 delegations of French companies to Indonesia, regularly meeting with the country’s highest authorities. He was received by President Jokowi in 2023 and had lunch with President Prabowo as recently as last year. He tirelessly promoted Indonesia on the international stage—sometimes even more passionately than Indonesians themselves!

Here at SLM, we owe him a great deal. He was always a strong supporter of our work. One of his dreams was for SLM to become a leading shipowner in the Asia Pacific region, and I am proud to say that we are well on that path.

He deeply valued his friendship with Pak Franky O. Widjaja and Ibu Jesslyne Widjaja, his partners at SLM, and always looked forward to meeting them. He was filled with joy during our 10th anniversary gala dinner in July 2024, as he witnessed the flourishing of his vision for Indonesia. With the continued support of his son Edouard—our Director alongside Ibu Jesslyne—there is no doubt that we will reach new heights and make him proud, wherever he may be now.

Beyond his commanding presence, Philippe Louis-Dreyfus was one of the kindest men I have known. He always had a nice word for his employees, as those of you who met him at our Jakarta office will fondly remember. He loved vessels, but above all, he loved people.

On a personal note, I will never forget the patriarch who entrusted me to lead his Indonesian business in December 2013. I had just turned 30, and little did I know that this opportunity would change my life forever—for the better.

Adieu, Monsieur. We will honor your legacy and the values you championed throughout your life.

Our thoughts are with his wife, children, grandchildren, and all his employees.

Matthieu Lavoine
Chief Executive Officer
Sinarmas LDA Maritime Group