William Soerjadjaja, known as "Oom William," was a successful Indonesian businessman who built PT Astra International into a major company. Born on December 20, 1922, in Majalengka, West Java, Dutch East Indies, William was recognized for his strong business acumen and unwavering dedication.

Early Life and Education

William was born Tjia Kian Liong, the second of six siblings. His father died in October 1934, and his mother followed in December of the same year, when William was just 12 years old. At a young age, William took over his father's business selling local produce, showing an early talent for commerce.

Despite struggling in school, including failing a grade at HCZS (Hollands Chinesche Zendingsschool) in Kadipaten Majalengka, William continued his education at MULO in Cirebon. He faced more challenges but remained persistent in his studies.

Business Career

William started his business career by selling paper in Cirebon and later moved on to selling weaving threads in Majalaya. He also traded agricultural products like oil, peanuts, rice, and sugar. In 1949, he returned to Indonesia and ventured into the leather tanning business, which had its ups and downs.

By 1957, William, along with his brother Tjia Kian Tie and friend Lim Peng Hong, founded PT Astra. Initially focusing on agricultural trading, Astra soon expanded into automotive and began importing Chevrolet trucks.

Expansion into Automotive

Astra's growth in the automotive sector began in 1969 when it became the sole distributor for Toyota vehicles in Indonesia. The same year, Astra also became the sole distributor for Honda motorcycles in the country. This move paved the way for Astra's significant expansion in the automotive industry.

In 1971, Astra established PT Federal Motor, later renamed PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM), to assemble Honda motorcycles. AHM grew to become one of Southeast Asia’s largest motorcycle assembly plants, greatly contributing to Honda’s sales in Indonesia.

Selling Astra

In 1992, William Soerjadjaja faced a major setback when his eldest son, Edward Soerjadjaya, went bankrupt. To rescue Bank Summa, which Edward founded, William was forced to sell a large portion of his shares in PT Astra International to Prajogo Pangestu and his group. This sale was necessary to settle Bank Summa's debts and prevent its bankruptcy.

This decision was incredibly difficult for William, as Astra was his creation and a significant part of his legacy. However, he chose to sacrifice his ownership to save his son and the company he had built.

William’s personal sacrifice was recognized and respected in the business community. His decision to sell Astra, while difficult, highlighted his integrity and commitment to addressing the financial crisis faced by his son’s bank. The episode became a defining moment in his career, illustrating the complexities and challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities.

William Soerjadjaja’s sale of Astra exemplifies his bravery and dedication as an entrepreneur, showing his willingness to face challenges and make personal sacrifices.

Success and Recognition

William was known for his hard work and determination. He turned PT Astra International into a leading company in Indonesia and beyond. Starting with an initial capital of Rp 2.5 million in 1957, Astra International now boasts revenues of Rp 144 trillion and a net profit of Rp 18.2 trillion for the first half of 2022.

William received numerous awards and recognition for his achievements, both domestically and internationally. His dedication and courage made him a respected figure, known affectionately as "Oom William."

Final Years

William Soerjadjaja passed away on April 2, 2010, at Medistra Hospital in South Jakarta, Indonesia, after several illnesses. His wife, Lily Anwar, died on June 29, 2021, at the age of 97.

William left a lasting legacy through PT Astra International, which grew into one of Indonesia’s largest companies. His story is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs who face challenges but continue to persevere.