Robert Budi Hartono was born on April 28, 1941, in Semarang, Indonesia. He grew up in a family with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. In the past, his father founded a cigarette company called Djarum on April 21, 1951. Which then the Djarum company was inherited by Robert. Robert went through junior high and high school in Kudus. after graduating from high school, Robert continued his education at Gajah Mada University in Yogyakarta city where he studied economics. This educational background is what led him to build his business.
In 1967, Robert entered the banking sector by acquiring Bank Duta. This happened when Bank Duta experienced various problems from various sectors, but after the bank was acquired by Robert, the bank became one of the leading financial institutions in Indonesia. Under Robert's leadership, the bank's performance implemented a fairly innovative strategy, he focused on improving the customer service section and expanding the bank's reach.
Still around the 1970s a cigarette manufacturing company was established with the name Djarum. Djarum quickly gained popularity and became one of the largest cigarette companies in Indonesia. In the course of developing PT Djarum, he did not use any human labor, but he also developed the company using machines as tools. In the course of developing PT Djarum, he did not use any human labor, but he also developed the company using machines as tools, and during that time Djarum began exporting its cigarette products abroad in the form of expanding the company's market reach.
Not only in the cigarette sector Robert also expanded his sector by investing in the property and electronics sectors. an example of one of his projects is the development of Grand Indonesia, as a shopping center that includes a hotel in it as one of the forms of Jakarta icons. In addition he also founded a company in the electronics sector called POLYTRON, a company that develops electronic devices such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and other electronic devices.
Not only is he famous as a successful businessman, he is also known as someone who cares deeply about other people. Because of his concern, PT. Djarum is active in providing scholarships to various students at various levels. And also because of Robert's love for badminton, PT. Djarum founded PB Djarum in 1969, which club has produced many successful badminton athletes who have made Indonesia proud at the international level.
Outside of business life, Robert is a simple and humble person. Even though he has a very abundant wealth, he still lives a life that is not much different from the lives of ordinary people. Robert Budi Hartono is married to Widowati Hartono and is blessed with 3 children, namely Victor, Martin, and Armand Hartono. Robert's three children are also involved in various business fields managed by the Djarum Group.
Robert Budi Hartono is a real example of an entrepreneur who is able to turn challenges into opportunities. He successfully brought PT. Djarum to become one of the leading and largest companies in Indonesia.
Sources : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Budi_Hartono
https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Budi_Hartono
https://tirto.id/profil-budi-hartono-kisah-hidup-orang-terkaya-di-indonesia-gMHb