[1] was the first and longest serving Dato' Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of the independent kingdom of Johor (today a state in the Federation of Malaysia), an office he held from 1886 until his death.

He began serving with the Government of Johor at 16, working as a trainee clerk in the Office of the Minister Raja Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim.

During his term as Chief Minister, Jaafar was tasked with carrying out state administration when Abu Bakar went overseas.

[3] Three of his sons also went on to serve as Menteri Besar after him, including the father of modern Malay nationalism, Dato' Onn Jaafar.

He died in 1919 in Bukit Senyum, Johor Bahru and was buried with full honors at the Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum.