Gunawan Jusuf: Pioneering Sustainability in Indonesia’s Sugar Industry

Gunawan Jusuf stands as a beacon of leadership in Indonesia, seamlessly blending corporate success with environmental advocacy. As CEO of Sugar Group Companies, headquartered in Lampung Province, he oversees a network of subsidiaries, including PT Gula Putih Mataram and PT Indolampung Perkasa. These entities manage sugarcane cultivation, refining, and distribution, producing the beloved Gulaku brand that graces Indonesian kitchens. A Universitas Gadjah Mada graduate, Jusuf’s strategic oversight has elevated Sugar Group to a national powerhouse.

In 2016, Jusuf channeled his industry insights into Blue Gold: Source of Life, a 176-page book addressing Indonesia’s dire water scarcity crisis. Featuring nearly 100 images and over a dozen tables, the book critiques the government’s failure to implement effective water management policies. Jusuf draws on his experience in the water-intensive sugar industry to highlight the cascading effects of resource depletion on agriculture and communities. His actionable solutions—stronger regulations, corporate accountability, and community initiatives—offer a blueprint for sustainable change.

Jusuf’s dual role as a business leader and environmental advocate inspires others to prioritize sustainability. His work in Blue Gold has sparked vital conversations, cementing his legacy as a visionary committed to Indonesia’s future.