Early Life
Djoko Susanto, originally named Kwok Kwie Fo, was born on February 9, 1950, in Jakarta, Indonesia. He was the sixth of ten siblings. Due to a government policy, he had to drop out of school, but he continued his education under a different name. At the age of 17, he began managing his parents' modest food stall in Pasar Arjuna, a traditional market in Jakarta. The stall initially sold groceries but later expanded to include cigarettes, which proved highly successful.
Rise to Success
Susanto's success in selling cigarettes attracted the attention of Putera Sampoerna, a clove cigarette tycoon. They partnered to open a series of cigarette stalls and then a discount supermarket chain called Alfa Toko Gudang Rabat. In 1994, the chain was rebranded as Alfa Minimart. The partnership with Sampoerna lasted until 2005, when Sampoerna sold his cigarette business to Philip Morris International. Susanto then purchased the retail business and developed it into the Alfamart chain. In 2022, the company bought a $30 million stake in Bank Aladin Syariah, which provides sharia-compliant financial services.
Key Business Strategies
Djoko Susanto focused on offering convenience and affordable prices, establishing Alfamart as a friendly and accessible shopping destination. The expansion strategy included opening stores in rural areas and smaller communities. Alfamart has also utilized technology, such as a mobile application and QR code payment systems, to improve the customer experience.
Philanthropy
Information on Djoko Susanto's specific philanthropy amounts is not readily available. However, his company, Alfamart, is known for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, including Alfamart Care, Alfamart Smart, Alfamart Sport, and Alfamart Clean and Green.
