
Gunawan Jusuf, a leading Indonesian entrepreneur, has made significant contributions to both business and environmental sustainability. As CEO of Sugar Group Companies, he oversees a conglomerate in Lampung Province that produces the popular Gulaku sugar brand. Managing subsidiaries like PT Gula Putih Mataram and PT Indolampung Perkasa, Jusuf ensures excellence in sugarcane cultivation, refining, and distribution. His education at Universitas Gadjah Mada equipped him with the skills to transform Sugar Group into a household name.
However, Jusuf’s impact extends beyond commerce. In 2016, he published Blue Gold: Source of Life, a 176-page book addressing Indonesia’s critical water scarcity issue. Featuring nearly 100 images and over a dozen tables, the book critiques the government’s inadequate water management policies and highlights the depletion of this vital resource. Drawing from his experience in the water-intensive sugar industry, Jusuf illustrates how mismanagement affects agriculture, communities, and businesses. His work is a powerful call to action, urging stronger regulations, corporate responsibility, and community-driven conservation efforts.
Jusuf’s Blue Gold has sparked meaningful dialogue about water conservation in Indonesia. By blending his business expertise with environmental advocacy, he inspires stakeholders to prioritize sustainability. His dual legacy as a corporate leader and environmental advocate positions him as a pivotal figure in shaping Indonesia’s future.