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Sukanto Tanoto Quotes
born 1949 Indonesia
Sukanto Tanoto (born December 31, 1949) is an Indonesian businessman and philanthropist. He is one of Indonesia’s wealthiest individuals and has business interests in pulp and paper, palm oil, viscose staple fibre, specialty cellulose and oil and gas.
Random Sukanto Tanoto quote
12 quotes
Philanthropy is part of our DNA - business-wise and family-wise.
I have always believed that conservation is not a liability to industries. Instead, if done properly, it can be an asset.
You Americans bring your accountants and lawyers. We are like Nike -- we just do it."
It doesn't makes sense. Why should we import (plywood)? Why not produce ourselves?
I learn by doing, but each time I don’t understand, I will ask… If I don’t understand, I don’t feel ashamed to ask questions.
You have to see where the market is going. I always believe there is no sunset business. It’s all in the mindset because if you give up, then you die.
Life is like this. When I started business 48 years ago as a contractor, I was only looking to survive, cari makan (looking for food).
The plantation is a very long-term business. It takes 5-10 years to start producing and it takes some years to (reach) the optimal level.
After you think, you act. After you act, you learn. Make decisions, but decisions will have risks of mistakes. But make sure you avoid disastrous mistakes and avoid making the same mistake twice.
The global pulp & paper industry is estimated to be worth $1 trillion while the palm oil business is worth $400 to $500 billion a year. The challenge is to build the business to a large scale.
Our business philosophy is the four C’s. We do business in a way that is Good for the Community, Good for the Country, Good for the Climate, and only then will it be Good for the Company.
Doing the commodity business with China is like drinking coffee. We enjoyed three spoons of sugar per cup for a long time. Suddenly, when that’s cut to one and a half spoons, we feel bitter — because it used to be so sweet.
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