Who doesn’t know the name Dato’ Sri Prof. DR. Tahir, MBA in Indonesia? As an entrepreneur, his achievements in the business world are beyond doubt. Moreover, born on March 26, 1952, he also possesses leadership talent, evident in the numerous awards and public trust bestowed upon him to lead various organizations and institutions in Indonesia.

Recently, he received the Entrepreneur of The Year 2011 award from both All Asian Leader Magazine and Ernst & Young. Even the CEO of Ernst & Young Indonesia, Giuseppe Nicolosi, acknowledged his credibility. “Tahir’s breakthroughs, vision, and commitment in building businesses are truly impressive. He is an example of an Indonesian entrepreneur who is always open and considers the long-term aspects. We hope Tahir’s achievements can inspire other entrepreneurs to follow in his footsteps,” commented Nicolosi.

A 1971 graduate of Petra Christian High School Kalianyar, he has made significant contributions in various fields. This includes serving as a special staff for the Indonesian Judo Association and the Ministry Coordinator for People’s Welfare of the Republic of Indonesia. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Indonesian Entrepreneurs Association (APINDO) and the Council of Advisors for the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin). Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Indonesian Chinese Entrepreneurs Association and the Chairman of Kadin Indonesia China Committee (KIKT). He has been elected for the third time as the President of the Indonesia Table Tennis Association. He received recognition as the best sports coach from the Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia, and in 2010, he was awarded DAN V (Black Belt) by the Indonesian Judo Association and Honorary Black Belt DAN VI by the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation.

In May 2010, he was bestowed with the title Dato’ Sri by the Sultanate of Pahang, Malaysia, and the title Professor by Lingnan College, Sun Yat-Sen University, from October 2011 to September 2014. In 2011, he also received an education award from Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the Prime Minister of Singapore at that time. Since 2002, he has served as the Ambassador of the University of Southern California, and in 2007, he became the first Indonesian and ASEAN individual to hold the position of a Board of Trustee at UC Berkeley.

Being successful and accomplished hasn’t made him forget his roots. He has provided both moral and material support as an alumni to IKAPETRA. May his achievements serve as a role model and inspiration for both PPPK Petra alumni and students alike.

As an alumni of Petra Christian High School (SMA) in PPPK Petra Embong Wungu, graduating in 1965, I acknowledge the excellent education provided. The teachers were highly disciplined and dedicated. I vividly remember one of the teachers, Mr. Ir Lie Tjoan Kwan, who designed the Heroes Monument. During his teaching sessions, from entering the class until the end of the lesson, he continuously wrote on the board with a cigarette hanging from his lips, the ash long and never falling.

The year 1965, the year of my graduation, was the most challenging period. It coincided with the G 30 S events, leading to a change of government. Many friends went to Germany for further studies. I pursued my studies at Unibraw Malang, supported by a scholarship without a bond from Bank Indonesia (as my father worked there). Studying at that time involved mostly Russian books, with no knowledge of computers and the internet. After graduation, I received a job offer from Bank Indonesia, but I declined due to my background as a Mechanical Engineer.

My life journey has been winding, starting from a Salesman, Sales Manager, Executive Manager, General Manager, and finally, a Director in various companies. Since 2003, I have been serving as a Commissioner at BCA Private Bank. I want to share my work experience with younger siblings still striving hard in their studies. Here are some pieces of advice: Firstly, high integrity is crucial in work; one must be diligent, persistent, and not easily discouraged. Avoid being too idealistic, thinking that work must align with your educational background (I rejected the offer from Bank Indonesia but ended up in the banking industry). Don’t look too high (trying to imitate others) because you might stumble, and don’t look down either, as you won’t see opportunities – the ladder to climb up to achieve greater achievements.

In conclusion, as a Petra Alumni, I express gratitude to Petra Christian High School and all the teachers who have taught me. With the existence of IKAPETRA, I pray and hope that Petra School can continue to progress and even go international if necessary. God bless us all.