Jakarta –
Who doesn’t know Kalbe Farma? Kalbe is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia and even in Southeast Asia. The figure behind it is Boenjamin Setiawan.
The man, born in Tegal in 1933, after graduating from high school, continued his studies at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Indonesia. He graduated from medical school in 1958 and continued his studies at the University of California, USA.
He said he started his business in 1961 when he returned from the United States (USA) after completing his medical training.
“In 1961 I returned from school in the United States. I visited a successful pharmaceutical entrepreneur, namely Wim Kalona, the owner of PT Dupa. At the time, he requested Rp 30 million for research on the herbal medicine for diabetes and blood pressure, “Boenjamin said at the Tanoto Entrepreneurship Series event. , 30 October 2015 ago.
“Mr. Win said, if I do research, I have to create a pharmaceutical industry. So I never intentionally dreamed of creating a pharmaceutical company,” he continued.
The beginning of the pharmacology doctor’s career did not seem to be immediately successful. In 1963 he invited his friend, a biologist. At that time, the company was producing ointments.
“All the young people are under 30. On Sundays they want to work making ointments. Then the capital is running out and the business is forced to close,” said Boenjamin.
Forerunner of Kalbe Farma
Not giving up, Boenjamin then had a second chance to rebuild his camp. This is where the Kalbe Farma embryo begins.
“Then I tried again. I invited a pharmacologist, Jan Tan, who was planning to go to Holland. But he was canceled because then my sister advised me to keep trying to build a medicine factory. My sister is a dentist. another sister is also a doctor. A repair shop owned by one of my sister’s patients. Together they founded a company called Kalbe Farma, “he explained. Boenjamin Setiawan.
Boenjamin also noted that many large businesses abroad have been started from a garage.
“Laptop maker Hawlett Packard started in the garage. Bill Gates started in the rooms of the boarding houses. The big companies that grew out of the garage are very good in number. If you want to be successful, you better start with the garage. So, since it starts from the garage. be difficult, enthusiasm for success is high, so I want to be successful, “he said.
He also shared the key to his success in achieving the position of becoming one of the richest people in Indonesia. First, you said, namely networking or networking. So, she always tries to get to know as many people as possible. Hence, there will be many opportunities.
“Then look at the opportunities that exist. If you have encountered an opportunity, you will encounter a lot of problems but you can’t stop. You have to do it with love, you have to use a lot of love. Don’t get hit by giving up a little,” she said.
Not just friends, business people need to know their competitors. What needs to be done is to find out the advantages and disadvantages of the competitors.
He admitted he was on the “wrong track” because he had no dreams. Even if he thought it was something important. Without a dream, it would be impossible for him to found a company as big as Kalbe Farma.
“I was wrong, as a young man I never dreamed. Young people must have a dream. Having a dream already, there must be action. There are many sacrifices to be an entrepreneur, but if you are successful there are also many rewards”, he added.
Kalbe Farma is known to be one of the sources of Boenjamin Setiawan’s wealth. Who would have thought, a garage business started in 1966 could lead him to become one of the richest people in Indonesia.
Reported by Forbes, Tuesday (10/25/2022), Boenjamin Setiawan he is the eighth richest person in Indonesia in 2021. His total wealth reaches US $ 4.2 billion or around Rs 65 trillion (exchange rate of Rs 15,611).
(fdl / fdl)
