Sukanto Tanoto

"Life is like this. When I started business 48 years ago as a contractor, I was only looking to survive, cari makan ."

"The plantation is a very long-term business. It takes 5-10 years to start producing and it takes some years to the optimal level."

"You have to see where the market is going. I always believe there is no sunset business. It’s all in the mindset because if you give up, then you die."

"You Americans bring your accountants and lawyers. We are like Nike -- we just do it."

"My business strategy is either to be geographically focused with lots of businesses or you can be a global player in selected businesses. Since I chose the route of being global, that is where I am go…"

"I learn by doing, but each time I don’t understand, I will ask… If I don’t understand, I don’t feel ashamed to ask questions."

"Our business philosophy is the four C’s. We do business in a way that is Good for the Community, Good for the Country, Good for the Climate, and only then will it be Good for the Company."

"Doing the commodity business with China is like drinking coffee. We enjoyed three spoons of sugar per cup for a long time. Suddenly, when that’s cut to one and a half spoons, we feel bitter — because …"