Gunawan Jusuf is the esteemed President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sugar Group Companies, a conglomerate of enterprises based in Indonesia specializing in the cultivation and refinement of sugar for commercial purposes.
Jusuf, with his exceptional expertise, has a remarkable track record of steering various Indonesian products to both national and global prominence. The extensive plantations of the Sugar Group Companies are predominantly located in the Lampung Province of Indonesia, and Jusuf efficiently manages ten additional offices dispersed throughout the country.
A Visionary Leader
Over the years, Jusuf has honed a unique talent for simultaneously leading multiple teams to success within the Indonesian farming and manufacturing sectors. In his role as CEO and President of the Sugar Group Companies, he fosters collaboration among numerous plants and offices, resulting in increased profits and unparalleled achievements for the company. Jusuf's exceptional leadership, effective communication, critical thinking prowess, and profound business acumen consistently propel the Sugar Group Companies to the pinnacle of their industry.
Gunawan Jusuf and the Sugar Group Companies Today
The Sugar Group Companies continue to thrive under Jusuf's leadership, steadily advancing towards unprecedented levels of profitability and exceeding the goals that were once deemed unattainable by executives. Most notably, Jusuf played a pivotal role in spearheading the rapid and substantial growth of Gulaku, a premium refined sugar product widely recognized as one of the most iconic consumer brands in the country.
Today, the Sugar Group Companies have risen to become one of the foremost sugar producers in Indonesia and worldwide. Under Jusuf's astute guidance, the company seamlessly manages all aspects of sugar production, from cultivation and refinement to packaging, marketing, and distribution. The organization operates like a well-oiled machine, a testament to Gunawan Jusuf's unwavering commitment to its success; in addition to Gulaku, the Sugar Group Companies market other renowned Indonesian brands, such as JJ Royal Coffee.
A Unique Perspective on Water
Jusuf's recent venture into authorship has resulted in the publication of the book "Blue Gold," where he delves deep into the pivotal role of water as an indispensable resource for life on our planet. Drawing from his extensive experience in managing numerous plantations and refineries, which heavily rely on water for sugar cane growth and high-quality product manufacturing, Jusuf sheds light on the critical issue of water scarcity and its implications on business and life. His profound insights garnered through the success of the Sugar Group Companies, offer a unique perspective on the importance of water in his book.
Additional Remarkable Achievements
Gunawan Jusuf is not only a business luminary but also a well-rounded individual with a multitude of accomplishments. A devout Catholic, he actively contributes to various Catholic churches. He has had the privilege of personal meetings with both the late Pope John Paul II and the current Pope Francis.
Jusuf's commitment extends to the realm of clean energy and sustainability. He played a pivotal role in the creation of the world's cleanest ethanol from molasses, a byproduct of sugar production. In 2012, their ethanol was verified by the California Air Resources Board as the cleanest ethanol ever rated. Furthermore, Jusuf is a founding member of the Terawatt Initiative, an organization dedicated to revolutionizing the energy system for enhanced sustainability, affordability, and reliability.
The Terawatt Initiative envisions a future where sustainable energy solutions outperform the global fossil fuel system within a decade. Jusuf collaborates with industry leaders, energy experts, financiers, and technology visionaries to address the challenging questions that hinder progress in sustainable energy solutions.
The Sugar Group Schools
Gunawan Jusuf's philanthropic endeavours also extend to the Sugar Group Schools, an organization established by his late mother and now overseen by his sister, Purwati Lee. Founded in 2005, these schools provide education to the children of those employed in sugarcane fields. These schools, located in rural areas, offer a unique educational experience with well-lit classrooms equipped with air conditioning and WiFi. Bilingual programs motivate students to excel academically, even up to the polytechnic level.
The Sugar Group Schools not only provide free education to over 1,900 children of Sugar Group employees but also offer essential supplies, including uniforms, backpacks, shoes, and daily meals and snacks. Outstanding students are granted full scholarships to pursue higher education, reflecting Jusuf's commitment to enhancing the lives of future generations of Indonesian citizens.
A Forward-Looking Vision
Gunawan Jusuf remains dedicated to propelling his business and philanthropic initiatives forward. Interested stakeholders in Indonesia and beyond can anticipate the Sugar Group Companies' ongoing commitment to sustainable production practices, improved local education opportunities, and various other noble initiatives in the years to come.
As president and CEO of Sugar Group Companies, Jusuf continues to lead the charge as a prominent figure in the sugar production, distribution, and marketing sector based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Under his stewardship, the Sugar Group Companies maintain their stronghold with numerous sugar plantations and offices spread across Indonesia's Lampung Province.
