Early Life
Peter Sondakh was born on June 23, 1953, in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. He grew up in a family of entrepreneurs; his father was an exporter of wood and coconut oil. Sondakh took over his family's business at a young age after his father passed away.
Rise to Success
Sondakh's journey in the business world began with the expansion of his family's business, later establishing PT Rajawali Wira Bhakti Utama in 1984, which became the foundation of Rajawali Corpora. He identified opportunities in various sectors, including property, media, and mining. In 1987, Sondakh founded RCTI, Indonesia's first private television network. This venture helped him to become a leading figure in the Indonesian business scene.
Key Business Strategies
Sondakh is known for his ability to identify and capitalize on business opportunities. He has been involved in various strategic investments. His company, Rajawali Corpora, has expanded into sectors such as telecommunications, hotels, and mining, including owning the Four Seasons in Jakarta and the St. Regis in Jakarta and Bali. Sondakh has also demonstrated a knack for turning around businesses, such as PT Bentoel.
Philanthropy
In 2004, Sondakh established the Rajawali Foundation as the philanthropic arm of Rajawali Corpora. He is also known for his social initiatives, such as the Express Taxis program.