VINANSIA.COM - Sudono Salim, originally known as Liem Sioe Liong, was born on July 19, 1916, in Fuqing, Fujian, China. "Liem Sioe Liong" was his given name by his parents, while "Sudono Salim" was a name he adopted after moving to Indonesia.

In 1939, Sudono Salim migrated to Indonesia with his brother, Liem Sioe Hie, during the Dutch colonial period. 

They settled in Kudus, Central Java, and initially worked as employees in a kerupuk (crackers) factory. They faced humble beginnings and struggled to meet their daily needs.

Career Journey

Sudono Salim started his business by selling cloves and tobacco, beginning with very little capital and having to work hard to sustain his business. However, the Japanese invasion of Indonesia in 1942 disrupted his clove and tobacco businesses.

Role in Economic and Political Crises
In 1969, Sudono Salim, along with Sudwikatmono, Djuhar Sutanto, and Ibrahim Risjad (known as The Gang of Four), founded CV Waringin Kentjana. They later established PT Bogasari Flour Mills and PT Indocement Tunggal Perkasa, which became one of the largest cement companies in Indonesia.

Founder of Salim Group

In 1972, Sudono Salim founded the Salim Group, which became the parent company of major corporations in Indonesia such as Indofood, Indomobil, Indosiar, Bogasari, BCA, Indomaret, among others. Salim Group is one of Indonesia's largest conglomerates involved in various sectors including food, automotive, media, banking, and more.

Ownership and Influence

Salim Group has significant interests across various business sectors in Indonesia. Companies under Salim Group wield substantial influence on the Indonesian economy. 

Sudono Salim himself was once the richest person in Indonesia and Asia, and was listed among the world's top 100 wealthiest individuals.

Relationship with President Soeharto

Sudono Salim was known to have a close relationship with former President Soeharto. 

"Soedono" was Soeharto's chosen name for Om Liem, while "Salim" was the family name chosen by Sudono Salim. This relationship greatly influenced his career and business endeavors.

Influence during the Monetary Crisis
In 1998, riots erupted in Jakarta, and Sudono Salim's residence in Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta, was looted and vandalized by reformist masses.

Due to the 1998 monetary crisis, the Salim Group's businesses suffered greatly, and Sudono Salim had to relinquish about 108 companies to the government to pay off debts totaling Rp52.7 trillion.

Death and Legacy

Sudono Salim passed away on June 10, 2012, at the age of 95 in Singapore, due to old age-related illness. His business legacy was continued by his son, Anthony Salim, and his son-in-law, Franciscus Welirang.

Conclusion

Sudono Salim stands as one of Indonesia's successful entrepreneurs who started from humble beginnings and navigated through numerous challenges to become one of the country's largest conglomerates. 

Despite facing significant setbacks and losses during the 1998 crisis, his business legacy persists and continues to influence Indonesia's economy today.