Early Life
Peter Sondakh was born in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on June 23, 1953. His father was a businessman involved in exporting wood and coconut oil, which influenced Sondakh's early exposure to business. He took over the family business at the age of 20 after his father's death.
Rise to Success
At the age of 22, Sondakh founded PT Rajawali Corpora, which became the cornerstone of his business empire. He expanded into various sectors, including property, media, and mining. Sondakh's key achievements include establishing RCTI, Indonesia's first private television station, and pioneering the use of global system technology in telecommunications.
Key Business Strategies
Sondakh is known for his strategic investments and ability to turn around struggling businesses. He diversified his investments across multiple industries, including luxury hotels such as the St. Regis and Four Seasons, media, and mining. A significant business move was selling his stake in Golden Eagle Energy in 2023.
Philanthropy
Peter Sondakh established the Rajawali Foundation for Asia at Harvard University, which provides scholarships across Asia. He is also recognized for his social initiatives, such as the Express Taxis program that helps drivers own their vehicles.