BIOGRAFI SUSI PUDJIASTUTI I BAKUL IKAN JADI MENTERI I Lorong Sejarah

Summary

Susi Pudjiastuti's remarkable journey from a small fish vendor to Indonesia's Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is a story of perseverance and success. Born into an entrepreneurial family, she dropped out of school to pursue a career in business. Her fish processing company and airline, Susi Air, grew rapidly, reaching international markets. As a minister, she made bold decisions to combat illegal fishing and improve the welfare of fishermen. Known for her assertive leadership and humanitarian efforts, Susi's contributions earned her numerous awards and recognition, solidifying her as a prominent figure in both business and politics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Susi Pudjiastuti is a prominent Indonesian entrepreneur and former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, appointed in 2014 by President Joko Widodo.
• 😀 Despite only completing junior high school, Susi became a successful entrepreneur, initially starting a fish business in Pangandaran.
• 😀 In 1996, Susi founded PT Asi Pudjiastuti, a fish processing company, which became known for its high-quality lobster products sold in Asia and America.
• 😀 To support her seafood business, Susi established Susi Air in 2004, an airline dedicated to transporting fresh fish across Indonesia, and internationally to markets in Japan.
• 😀 Susi Air played a key role in delivering disaster relief to Aceh after the 2004 tsunami, marking a turning point in the airline's operations.
• 😀 Susi Pudjiastuti's business expanded significantly, with Susi Air eventually operating 50 aircraft across Indonesia.
• 😀 Despite her professional success, Susi's personal life included two divorces, and she remarried Christian Vons Robek, with whom she has three children.
• 😀 As Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Susi was known for her tough stance on illegal fishing, including sinking foreign vessels caught poaching in Indonesian waters.
• 😀 Susi's leadership was also characterized by her efforts to improve the welfare of local fishermen and her use of English, which set her apart from many other Indonesian ministers.
• 😀 After stepping down from her ministerial role in 2019, Susi returned to her entrepreneurial roots, focusing on her seafood and aviation businesses while also opening Susi Flying School.

Q & A

What is Susi Pudjiastuti's background before entering politics?

Before becoming a politician, Susi Pudjiastuti was a successful entrepreneur. She started as a fish trader in Pangandaran and later established a fish processing company, PT Asi Pudjiastuti, which became famous for its lobster products under the 'Sushi' brand. She also founded Susi Air, an airline to transport seafood.

What significant challenges did Susi Pudjiastuti face in her early business career?

Susi Pudjiastuti faced several challenges, including starting with a small capital of Rp750,000 after selling her jewelry. She also dealt with the decline of the fishing business but adapted by expanding her company into air transportation, using her own aircraft to deliver seafood.

How did Susi Pudjiastuti’s business evolve after the 2004 Aceh tsunami?

Following the 2004 Aceh tsunami, Susi Air became the first aircraft to reach the disaster area, delivering humanitarian aid. This event shifted her business focus from primarily transporting seafood to humanitarian missions, which expanded her aviation business significantly.

What was one of Susi Pudjiastuti's major actions as the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries?

One of her major actions as Minister was her firm stance on combating illegal fishing. She implemented a policy of sinking foreign vessels caught illegally fishing in Indonesian waters as a deterrent.

How did Susi Pudjiastuti's career in politics differ from her career as an entrepreneur?

As an entrepreneur, Susi was known for her innovative approach to business, notably in the seafood and aviation industries. In contrast, as a politician, she was recognized for her bold and decisive policies, especially in protecting Indonesia's maritime resources and improving the welfare of fishermen.

What educational background does Susi Pudjiastuti have?

Susi Pudjiastuti only completed junior high school (SMP). She dropped out of high school to pursue business, which was a significant turning point in her career.

What was Susi Pudjiastuti’s role in the aftermath of the 2004 Aceh disaster?

Susi Pudjiastuti’s airline, Susi Air, played a crucial role in delivering aid to the victims of the 2004 Aceh tsunami. It was the first to reach the affected areas, providing immediate assistance to the survivors.

How did Susi Pudjiastuti’s personal life intersect with her career?

Susi Pudjiastuti had a personal life marked by two marriages and three children. Despite the challenges in her personal life, she continued to build her businesses and later took on the role of a government minister, prioritizing her career and public service.

What controversies did Susi Pudjiastuti face during her ministerial tenure?

Susi Pudjiastuti was a controversial figure due to her unconventional appearance, including tattoos and smoking, which drew media attention. However, her firm policies, especially on illegal fishing, gained her both praise and criticism.

What awards and recognitions has Susi Pudjiastuti received for her contributions?

Susi Pudjiastuti received numerous awards, including the Purwa Citra Priangan Award for improving the lives of fishermen, the Eagle Award, and the WWF Leaders for a Living Planet Award. She was also recognized as one of the BBC's 100 Women in 2017.