Early Life and Education
Eddy Kusnadi Sariaatmadja was born in Jakarta on August 23, 1953. He is the first son of Mohamad Soeboeb Sariaatmadja, a Sundanese businessman, and his mother is of Palembang-Malay descent. He pursued higher education in Australia, earning a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of New South Wales in 1978, followed by a Master's in Engineering Science from the same university in 1980. These academic achievements would lay the foundation for his successful ventures in technology and media.
Rise to Success
Sariaatmadja's entrepreneurial journey commenced in 1983 when he established PT Elang Mahkota Komputer, a company that initially distributed Compaq computers in Indonesia. This company was later renamed PT Elang Mahkota Teknologi (Emtek). Emtek's business expanded into the media sector, acquiring significant stakes in major Indonesian television channels such as SCTV and Indosiar. Emtek's strategic acquisitions and ventures into digital platforms, including partnerships with Alibaba's Ant Financial for the DANA digital payment system, further solidified its position as a major player in the industry.
Key Business Strategies
Key strategies employed by Sariaatmadja included identifying opportunities within the burgeoning technology and media sectors, making strategic acquisitions, and forming partnerships to expand Emtek's reach. His investments in digital platforms and content production, including the development of the RCTI+ super app, reflect his forward-thinking approach. Emtek's diverse portfolio, encompassing free-to-air television, pay television, digital services, and partnerships, demonstrates a business model centered on diversification and innovation.
Philanthropy
Eddy Kusnadi Sariaatmadja is also known for his philanthropic activities. In 2018, he was recognized by Forbes as one of Asia's most generous 40 philanthropists for his contributions in social and educational fields.