Chairul Tanjung is one of Indonesia’s most influential businesspeople. Born and bred in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, Mr. Tanjung is the owner and founder of CT Corp; its diversified portfolio of businesses ranges from banking and finance, premium retail to prime media outlets.

This book is the English translation of the critically acclaimed best-selling biography, Si Anak Singkong.  An honest and engaging telling of Mr. Tanjung’s disadvantaged childhood and his resolve to attain a better life, it is a must-read for everyone aspiring to become more successful in whatever they choose to do.  It is especially meaningful for the younger generation in learning how struggle and hard work can change lives and make dreams come true.
Biographer:  Tjahja Gunawan Diredja
Translator:  James Joseph Boyd
 
Bung CT (Chairul Tanjung) is a young leader who successfully built his business from scratch, as opposed to developing a business that was already established.  His determination to achieve what he has now is driven by strong leadership and a vision to develop the country. This book details the struggles of his journey. ~ Djoko Suyanto, Coordinating Minister for Legal, Political and Security Affairs

The story of Chairul Tanjung’s rags-to-riches rise to become one of Indonesia’s most prominent and well-respected businessmen is both endearing and inspiring.  Pak Chairul’s ability to succeed in today’s Indonesia based on little more than hard work, loyalty and a keen eye for business opportunity will give heart to the up-and-coming generation of Indonesian entrepreneurs. ~ Adam Schwarz, Author, A Nation in Waiting: Indonesia’s Search for Stability

Chairul Tanjung is a great believer in the concept “from nothing to something.”  He himself is the living proof of the adage.  Thanks to his hard work and perseverance, he has created a host of new businesses that have not only benefited him and his family, but also society as a whole.  It includes providing employment for more than 75,000 people as well as enhancing Indonesia’s reputation internationally. ~ Jakob Oetama, Chairman of Kompas Gramedia

Chairul Tanjung believes that local companies are capable of synergizing their operations with multinational firms. He believes his openness to working with multinationals is no disregard for nationalism, but instead demonstrates that local companies can compete with their foreign peers to succeed in the local market. This book provides an understanding of his business philosophy.  ~ Soekarwo, Governor of East Java

Our country has nurtured many great achievers, whose achievements are manifested from their love of the nation.   Chairul Tanjung’s love for Indonesia is always embodied in his hard work, which also benefits the wider community.  His ideas can stand as a  beacon of inspiration for young people who have the same passion and dreams.  ~ Tantowi Yahya, Legislator and entertainer
 
KUPING KANAN
We need a solid base of patriotic entrepreneurs who come from and are part of the people. This is a humanitarian mission – we always need to remember that old expression that “you can’t take it with you”. This is about true service to the nation.  Success does not come at the clap of a hand, but requires hard work, determination, consistency, discipline and a never-say-die attitude.

Like the Indonesian people in general, I am proud that we have a young Indonesian who has enjoyed great success as a businessman, property developer, banker and media tycoon. Truly a man for all seasons, who has had a great impact on Indonesia, and will continue to do so in the future. ~ Amien Rais, Professor, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta
 
Chairul Tanjung, in my opinion, is the sort of Indonesian who everyone should aspire to be: hard working, highly successful, honest and a gentleman. It’s for these reasons that I hold such great respect for him. Not admiration for his wealth, but for his character. ~ Dahlan Iskan, Indonesian Minister for State Owned-Enterprises