Sukanto Tanoto
Sukanto Tanoto is the Founder and Chairman of Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), which manages a group of world-class companies specialising in resource-based manufacturing and is supported by a workforce of...
For Hendra Tri Purnawan, success has never been a stroke of luck. It’s always been the result of clear vision, careful planning, and a deep belief in being prepared for whatever comes next.
Hailing from a small district in North Sumatra, Hendra began his journey with APRIL in 2005 as a lab technician. Even then, his eye for patterns and desire to understand the bigger picture set him apart. He quickly rose to quality engineer, driven by his fascination with data and trends, not just for what they showed today, but for what they could predict for tomorrow.
Recognising his relentless curiosity and potential, APRIL awarded Hendra a company scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Engineering for Pulp and Paper Technology at Thailand’s Asian Institute of Technology. When he returned, it wasn’t just with new knowledge, it was with a roadmap for how to make a broader impact. Promotions followed: Senior Processing Engineer, Deputy Technical Manager, Pulp Dryer Department Head, Production Manager, and today, Pulp Operations Manager based in Kerinci, Indonesia.
As Pulp Operations Manager, Hendra oversees everything from wood handling, chemical operations, to the creation of pulp.
In this role, Hendra oversees everything from wood handling, chemical operations to the final product creation of pulp. His focus extends beyond machinery and process: he’s deeply invested in developing people, too. “You can have machinery and processes,” he says, “but in truth, the real milestones are achieved through people.”
Throughout his career, Hendra has consistently sought not only to excel in the moment, but to plan for future growth: his own, and that of others. His experience at Sateri at Jiujiang, Liyang and Asia Symbol at Rizhao, China, and Bracell at Bahia and Sao Paolo, Brazil, is a testament to commitment. In each country, he observed how cultural differences highlighted different aspects of RGE’s TOPICC core values – from the ownership driven mindset of APRIL’s Indonesian team, the focus on Customer and Continuous Improvement in China, to the Complementary Team spirit of Bracell’s Brazilian colleagues.
“There was of course the language barrier, and differences in work style,” Hendra explained. “But there’s something to learn from every culture, like the discipline and selflessness of our Chinese colleagues, and how our colleagues in Brazil never leave a teammate behind. All of these experiences shaped how we lead our teams once we returned to Indonesia.” Hendra’s role in these exchanges helped transfer these strengths across teams, reinforcing the company’s borderless talent development philosophy.
His growth was further amplified through the Management Development Programme (MDP) and Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) – an experience he describes as a “mini-MBA” – where he sharpened his skills in finance, strategy, people and operation management. It was, as he says, a natural fit with his love of thinking systemically and planning ahead.
Hendra’s journey at RGE included participation in the Management Development Programme (MDP) and Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) —an experience he describes as a “mini-MBA.”
As he approaches his 20th anniversary with APRIL, Hendra stands as one of the company’s youngest Business Unit Heads. Recently, he received the People Development Award, an honour made all the more meaningful by the fact that it came from peer nominations – proof of the trust and respect he’s earned as a leader. “When I look at my team, I look not at what they are, but what they can be. Prepare your team for success,” he says. “Coach them not just for the job they have, but for the aspirations they may have.” Many in Hendra’s team have gone on to leadership roles, further implementing this leadership philosophy in more teams within the company.
His own growth has been shaped by great mentors like Eduward Ginting, APRIL’s Chief Operating Officer, who challenged and championed him in equal measure. Hendra doesn’t take these opportunities for granted; rather, he builds on them, step by step.
From the laboratory to production, and from project to operation, Hendra’s career is a journey through nearly every layer of APRIL’s business. That comprehensive understanding and the foresight to always think ahead are what has propelled him forward.
“Always detail a clear plan for what you want to do and where you want to be,” Hendra advises. “Only when you know your plan yourself, can others begin to help you.”
Hendra’s central philosophy is something he calls “people planning” – understand how to deploy the right person, at the right time, for the right strategy.
Today, Hendra spends his days planning for operations, safety, and costs. But what he values most is still what he calls “people planning” – “Understand how to deploy the right person, at the right time, for the right strategy,” he says. “That is the most important question.”
When setbacks arise, as they inevitably do, he doesn’t dwell on them. “Don’t focus on blame. Focus on how to catch up. Strategise. Adjust. Re-plan. If you do that consistently, you’ll always be ready.”
Because for Hendra, there’s always a next step in mind. And the plan? Being prepared.
Find out more opportunities at RGE here.
