Early Life
Chairul Tanjung was born on June 18, 1962, in Jakarta, Indonesia. His father, Abdul Ghafar Tanjung, was a journalist whose magazine company was shut down during the Suharto regime, leading to financial hardship for the family. Despite these challenges, Tanjung excelled academically, graduating from Boedi Oetomo Senior High School in 1981 and earning a degree in dentistry from the University of Indonesia in 1987. During his studies, he demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by opening a shop with friends, selling books, T-shirts, and later, medical equipment.
Rise to Success
Tanjung's business journey began after graduating from dentistry school. He established PT CT Corp with a loan, initially producing children's footwear. Although this venture was short-lived, it marked the beginning of his remarkable career. He acquired Bank Karman, renaming it Bank Mega, and expanded into various sectors, including insurance and securities. In the media industry, he founded Trans TV and acquired TV 7. He also ventured into property development, with projects such as Bandung Super Mall. His holding company, CT Corp, encompasses Mega Corp, Trans Corp, and Property, reflecting his diversified interests.
Key Business Strategies
Chairul Tanjung's success is attributed to his ability to build networks and his strategic vision. He focused on three core businesses: finance, property, and multimedia. His strategy included acquiring existing businesses and expanding them. He also recognized the importance of consumer focus, synergizing his businesses to offer integrated services, such as using Bank Mega credit cards to shop at Carrefour, a retail chain he acquired. He is known for his taste in megadeals and his drive to build a consumer-focused business empire.
Philanthropy
Chairul Tanjung is actively involved in philanthropy through the CT Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Anita Ratnasari Tanjung. The foundation focuses on education, entrepreneurship, and social development, including programs to develop literacy and alleviate poverty. In 2011, Forbes recognized him as a hero of philanthropy for his commitment to giving back to the community. His philanthropic efforts also extend to humanitarian work, including efforts to combat drug abuse and HIV/AIDS through the Indonesian Humanitarian Committee. In 2023, he received the Philanthropy Awards for his significant contributions to several sectors.