Sukanto Tanoto
Sukanto Tanoto | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 25, 1949 Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder of Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) |
Sukanto Tanoto, originally named Tan Kang Hoo (; born on 25 December 1949), is a prominent Indonesian entrepreneur specializing in manufacturing industries centered around natural resources.[1] He began his career as a supplier for the state-owned oil company Pertamina before entering the forest industry sector in 1973.[2] His enterprises are consolidated under the Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) group, previously known as Raja Garuda Mas.[3]
Biography
Tanoto was born in Medan, North Sumatra, as the firstborn among seven brothers.[4] His father emigrated from Putian, Fujian, China. In 1966, his schooling was interrupted due to the closure of Chinese-language schools during President Suharto's administration, and he was also excluded from attending national schools because of his parents' citizenship status.[4]
Following his father’s stroke, Tanoto assumed control of the family enterprise, expanding its scope from trading activities to securing gas pipeline construction contracts with multinational corporations. The 1973 oil crisis accelerated client growth, enabling him to invest in establishing a plywood manufacturing facility in Indonesia to reduce reliance on expensive finished plywood imports from countries such as Japan and Taiwan.[4]
To launch this facility, Tanoto skillfully navigated Indonesia’s regulatory environment under Suharto’s government, forming a partnership with an army general who endorsed the project after recognizing its economic potential. The plywood plant commenced operations in 1975 and was officially opened by Suharto.[4] Subsequently, the company expanded its portfolio into palm oil production and the pulp and paper sector.[5]
As a self-made businessman, Tanoto overcame educational setbacks by teaching himself English through a Chinese-English dictionary and attending business school in Jakarta during the mid-1970s. He further pursued studies at INSEAD in France.[4]
In 1997, he moved both his family and the company’s headquarters to Singapore.[3]
Currently, three of his children are actively involved in managing RGE. His son Anderson Tanoto holds a directorial position,[6][7] eldest daughter Imelda serves on the executive committee,[8] and younger daughter Belinda Tanoto dedicates her efforts to philanthropy through the Tanoto Foundation, where all four siblings act as trustees.[8]
Business operations
Tanoto’s commercial ventures are overseen by Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), an international resource-based conglomerate with manufacturing facilities located in Indonesia, China, Brazil, Canada, and across Europe, complemented by sales offices worldwide. Since initiating his entrepreneurial career in 1967, Tanoto has expanded RGE to employ more than 80,000 individuals and amass assets valued at over US$35 billion. The conglomerate is active in five principal industries: pulp and paper (through entities such as Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings or APRIL, Asia Symbol, Vinda), agro-industry (including Asian Agri and Apical), specialty cellulose (Bracell Limited), viscose fiber production (Sateri, Asia Pacific Rayon), and energy resource development (Pacific Energy, formerly known as Pacific Oil & Gas).
In 2016, Tanoto revised RGE’s corporate philosophy to emphasize delivering value to the community, nation, environment, and the company itself. Marking his 50th year as an entrepreneur in 2017, he introduced 'Customer' as a fifth foundational principle.
APRIL Deforestation Dispute
APRIL encountered backlash for its involvement with native Sumatran forests, which prompted its exit from the Forest Stewardship Council in 2010. In 2011, Fuji Xerox ceased distribution of APRIL paper products. The company refuted these accusations, reiterating its dedication to combating climate change and promoting sustainability. A Greenpeace report published in 2013 highlighted Tanoto’s enterprises as significant contributors to deforestation that endangered Sumatran tiger populations. In reaction, APRIL committed in 2015 to eradicating deforestation throughout its supply chain—a pledge that received positive recognition from Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund.
See also
External links
- ↑ "RGE (Royal Golden Eagle) Group | Sustainable Resources | Raja Garuda Emas". www.rgei.com. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
- ↑ "Paradise Papers Leak Reveals Offshore's Role In Forest Destruction - ICIJ". 2017-11-08. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
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