Sweet-toothed youth will be pleased to learn of Jogi Hendra Atmadja, the legendary founding figure behind Mayora Indah, which produces some of Indonesia’s favourite snacks. The company was established in 1977 when he and two partners opened the first factory in Tangerang, North Jakarta. They made Roma Kelapa coconut biscuits, which quickly became a favourite tea-time snack and the company’s main product.

In the ’80s, Mayora launched the coffee-flavoured candy Kopiko, which became a hit with consumers, and soon after, Mayora figured they had a knack for the sweets. They introduced Beng-Beng, Choki-choki and Torabika, candies which have been exported to 90 countries and become childhood favourites for many. The company remains strong even more than 40 years later.

According to Forbes magazine, Atmadja’s success made him one of the ten richest people in Indonesia in 2019. Even amid the pandemic, he was able to grow Mayora Indah’s sales with a 3.5 per cent increase in profit.

Atmadja completed a doctorate at Trisakti University, Jakarta.