ONE tycoon follows an interesting formula to ensure her business stays problem-free. If revenues reach “only” hundreds of billions of rupiah, it is enough to “befriend” a minister. If the stakes go up to a trillion rupiah, it helps to have a vice president for a friend.

But if the business deals with very large amounts, more than Rp10 trillion, it is another story. One must attempt—and who knows how—to get “close” to the nation�