Sukanto Tanoto

$4.26 B

Ranked #972 in World

About Sukanto Tanoto

Indonesian tycoon Sukanto Tanoto, self-made founder of the Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) conglomerate, hails from Medan with roots in China's Fujian province. His ventures span myriad industries including palm oil, pulp, paper, and energy, with a workforce of over 60,000 and assets exceeding $30 billion. Despite global operations, RGE faced deforestation criticisms, leading to a firm commitment in 2015 to eradicate deforestation in its supply chain—a move praised by environmental organizations.

Born

December 25, 1949 in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Age

76 years

Source Of Wealth

Diversified

Industries

Diversified

Citizenship

Indonesia

Residence

Singapore

Spouse

Tinah Bingei Tanoto

Sukanto Tanoto, born Tan Kang Hoo, is an Indonesian businessman known for his involvement in resources-based manufacturing. He was born in Medan, North Sumatra, and is the eldest of seven boys. His father was a Chinese immigrant from Putian, Fujian province.

Tanoto's education was interrupted in 1966 due to the closure of Chinese schools in Indonesia. As a result of his parents' Chinese citizenship, he was prohibited from attending national schools.

Sukanto Tanoto: Family

After his father suffered a stroke, Tanoto took over the family business. He expanded the business beyond basic trading and secured gas pipeline contracts.

Tanoto noticed that Indonesia exported raw logs for plywood conversion and then imported finished plywood back. Recognizing an opportunity, he aimed to establish his own plywood mill, which required permits from politicians and army generals.

Sukanto Tanoto: Career Highlights

Tanoto worked closely with a general and convinced him of the potential of the plywood mill. The mill was inaugurated by President Suharto in 1975. The company later branched out into palm oil, pulp, and paper.

Despite not having a formal education, Tanoto became a self-educated entrepreneur. He learned English using a dictionary and attended business school in Jakarta and INSEAD in France.

Sukanto Tanoto: Companies

In 1997, Tanoto settled in Singapore with his family and established the headquarters of his company there. His three children are actively involved in RGE and its businesses: Anderson (director), Imelda (executive committee), and Belinda (philanthropic arm).

Tanoto's business interests are represented by Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), a global resource-based group of companies. RGE has manufacturing operations in Indonesia, China, Brazil, Canada, and Europe, with sales offices worldwide.

Sukanto Tanoto: Major Achievements

RGE has a workforce of over 60,000 people and assets exceeding US$30 billion. The company's five key operational areas are pulp and paper, agro-industry, specialty cellulose, viscose fiber, and energy resources development.

In early 2016, Tanoto announced an update to RGE's groupwide business principles, emphasizing the importance of being good for the community, country, climate, company, and customer.

Sukanto Tanoto: Awards & Achievements

Tanoto has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to business and philanthropy.

Some notable awards include:

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Indonesia, 1998)
Asia Businessman of the Year Award (Forbes Asia, 2007)
Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration (University of Newcastle, Australia, 2008)
Lifetime Achievement Award (Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards, 2013)
Indonesian Business Leader of the Year (Forbes Indonesia, 2015)

Sukanto Tanoto: Personal Life & Legacy

Tanoto is known for his philanthropic efforts through the Tanoto Foundation, which focuses on education, healthcare, and community development. He has also established the Sukanto Tanoto Professorship in Corporate Social Responsibility at the University of Oxford.

Tanoto is a respected figure in the business community and is known for his commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.

Sukanto Tanoto: Trivia

Tanoto is a fan of Chinese calligraphy and has a collection of Chinese ink paintings.

He is also an avid golfer and enjoys playing the piano.

APRIL Deforestation Controversy

Tanoto's company, APRIL, has been involved in conservation controversies related to the use of native Sumatran growth forest. In April 2010, APRIL withdrew from the Forest Stewardship Council. In September 2011, Fuji Xerox ceased selling APRIL-manufactured paper.

The company denies the claims and states its commitment to mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability. However, a Greenpeace report in 2013 highlighted Tanoto's role in deforestation for palm oil, which was driving Sumatran tigers toward extinction.

In June 2015, APRIL pledged to eliminate deforestation from its entire supply chain, a move that was well-received by Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund.

Wealth History

Timeline

N/A

Sukanto Tanoto (born Tan Kang Hoo) is an Indonesian businessman involved in resources-based manufacturing.

N/A

Tanoto was born in Medan, North Sumatra, the oldest of seven boys.

N/A

His father was a Chinese immigrant from Putian, Fujian province.

1966

Tanoto's education was interrupted due to Chinese school closures.

N/A

He was prohibited from attending national schools due to his parents' Chinese citizenship.

N/A

Tanoto ran the family business after his father's stroke, moving beyond basic trading to gas pipeline contracts.

N/A

He noticed that Indonesia exported raw logs for plywood conversion and then imported finished plywood back.

N/A

Tanoto recognized the opportunity for his own plywood mill, which required permits from politicians and army generals.

N/A

He worked with a general, convincing him of the mill's potential, and it was inaugurated by President Suharto in 1975.

N/A

Tanoto's company branched out into palm oil, pulp, and paper.

N/A

He is a self-educated entrepreneur who learned English using a dictionary and attended business school in Jakarta and INSEAD in France.

1997

Tanoto settled in Singapore with his family and established his company headquarters there.

N/A

His three children are active in RGE and its businesses: Anderson (director), Imelda (executive committee), and Belinda (philanthropic arm).

N/A

Tanoto's business interests are represented by Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), a global resource-based group of companies.

N/A

RGE has manufacturing operations in Indonesia, China, Brazil, Canada, and Europe, with sales offices worldwide.

N/A

RGE has a workforce of over 60,000 people and assets exceeding US$30 billion.

N/A

The company has five key operational areas: pulp and paper, agro-industry, specialty cellulose, viscose fiber, and energy resources development.

Early 2016

RGE announced an update of its groupwide business principles, emphasizing the importance of being good for the community, country, climate, company, and customer.

N/A

APRIL, a company associated with Tanoto, has been involved in conservation controversies related to the use of native Sumatran growth forest.

April 2010

APRIL withdrew from the Forest Stewardship Council.

September 2011

Fuji Xerox ceased selling APRIL-manufactured paper.

N/A

APRIL denies claims and states its commitment to mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability.

2013

A Greenpeace report highlights Tanoto's role in deforestation for palm oil, driving Sumatran tigers toward extinction.

June 2015

APRIL pledged to eliminate deforestation from its entire supply chain, a move well-received by Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund.

Sukanto Tanoto : FAQs

What is Sukanto Tanoto's current net worth?

Sukanto Tanoto's current net worth is $4.26 billion.

What is Sukanto Tanoto's current global rank among billionaires?

Sukanto Tanoto holds the 972nd position globally among billionaires.

What is Sukanto Tanoto's current ranking within the Indonesia?

Sukanto Tanoto holds the 13th position in Indonesia.

What was the change in Sukanto Tanoto's net worth compared to the previous year?

Sukanto Tanoto's net worth increased by 456.09 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 3.81 billion dollars.

What are Sukanto Tanoto's main sources of wealth?

Sukanto Tanoto's main source of income comes from Diversified.

In which industry does Sukanto Tanoto primarily operate?

Sukanto Tanoto is primarily involved in the Diversified industry.

How old is Sukanto Tanoto?

Sukanto Tanoto is 76 years old.

How many children does Sukanto Tanoto have?

Sukanto Tanoto has 4 children.

Who is Sukanto Tanoto and what industries is he involved in?

Sukanto Tanoto is an Indonesian businessman known for his involvement in resource-based manufacturing. He runs the Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) group, which is active in numerous industries, including pulp and paper, agro-industry, specialty cellulose, viscose fibre, and energy resources development.

What was the significant turning point in Sukanto Tanoto's business strategy with regards to plywood production?

Sukanto Tanoto noticed that Indonesia was exporting raw logs and then importing finished plywood, which highlighted an opportunity to establish his own plywood mill. After securing a permit through negotiations with an army general, his mill was inaugurated by President Suharto in 1975, marking a significant turning point in his business career.

How did Sukanto Tanoto respond to the APRIL deforestation controversy?

In response to the deforestation controversy and related sustainability concerns, Sukanto Tanoto's company APRIL pledged to eliminate deforestation from its entire supply chain by June 2015. This commitment was well-received by environmental groups like Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund.

What measures did Sukanto Tanoto's company APRIL take amidst conservation controversies?

APRIL, a part of Sukanto Tanoto's business empire, faced conservation controversies regarding the use of native Sumatran growth forest. In response, the company announced its decision to stop deforestation in its supply chain and stated its commitment to climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability. However, prior to this, APRIL withdrew from the Forest Stewardship Council in April 2010, and Fuji Xerox ceased selling their manufactured paper in 2011.