Early Life
Prajogo Pangestu was born Phang Djoen Phen on May 13, 1944, in Bengkayang, West Kalimantan, into a Hakka family from Guangdong, China. He attended Chinese schools in Indonesia and later moved to Jakarta in 1965. His journey began with modest means, including working as an angkot driver.
Rise to Success
In 1970, he joined Burhan Uray's timber company Djajanti Group and became the general manager of PT Nusantara in 1976. He left Djajanti in 1977 and started his own business, founding PT Barito Pacific Timber. The company went public in 1993, becoming the largest on the Jakarta Stock Exchange at the time. Prajogo diversified the company's operations, including an expansion into petrochemicals with the acquisition of PT Chandra Asri. In 2007, Barito Pacific rebranded, focusing on its diversified operations. A significant move was the acquisition of Star Energy in 2007, entering the renewable energy sector.
Key Business Strategies
Prajogo's strategic investments and diversification have been key. He transformed Barito Pacific from a timber company into a multinational conglomerate. The acquisition of Star Energy made him a leader in geothermal energy. In 2022, Green Era, a Singapore-based company controlled by Prajogo, acquired full control of Star Energy. His other investments included the acquisition of Chandra Asri Petrochemical.
Philanthropy
Prajogo, along with his wife, Harlina Tjandinegara, established the Bakti Barito Foundation in 2011, focusing on education, environment, economy, and social programs. The foundation has supported various initiatives, including donations of rice to those affected by the pandemic.
