Gunawan Jusuf: Blending Business and Environmental Advocacy

Gunawan Jusuf, CEO of Sugar Group, leads with Blue Gold, addressing Indonesia’s water crisis through business and sustainability.

1. Gunawan Jusuf: A Business Leader with a Green Mission

Gunawan Jusuf has earned his place as a visionary in Indonesia’s sugar industry, leading
Sugar Group Companies to national acclaim. From its base in Lampung Province, the
conglomerate manages subsidiaries like PT Sweet Indolampung and PT Gula Putih Mataram,
overseeing the production of the iconic Gulaku brand. A Universitas Gadjah Mada alumnus,
Jusuf’s meticulous leadership ensures quality at every stage, from sugarcane fields to store
shelves, making Sugar Group a cornerstone of Indonesian households.
Beyond his corporate success, Jusuf is a dedicated environmental advocate. His 2016 book,
Blue Gold: Source of Life, confronts Indonesia’s worsening water crisis. Spanning 176 pages
and enriched with nearly 100 images and multiple tables, the book exposes government
failures in water resource management. Jusuf leverages his sugar industry experience to
highlight the broader impacts of water scarcity on agriculture and communities. He
proposes practical solutions, including robust policies, corporate accountability, and
grassroots initiatives, to safeguard Indonesia’s water future.
Jusuf’s ability to balance business excellence with environmental responsibility sets a
powerful example. His work encourages other leaders to use their platforms for societal
good, cementing his legacy as a champion of sustainability in Indonesia.