Among the most famous architects and property magnates in Indonesia, Ir. Ciputra is a big name with several property groups, philanthropy projects in education and also one of Forbes’ richest Indonesians. The business tycoon was voted as Marcopolis’ #3 most powerful businessman in Indonesia.

With wealth that worth around $1.3 billion, he is a perfect example of how difficult childhood and past life are not impediments for the resilient. Born in Central Sulawesi Ir. Ciputra experienced a rough childhood. After his father was kidnapped by unknown troops in 1944 after being accused of spying for the Japanese and Dutch.

Despite this he managed to finish his education until he got his Bachelor of Arts from Bandung Institute of Technology as an architect. He then established a contractor service with his friends, specialized in office buildings, later moving to Jakarta and worked at Jaya Group, before founding the Ancol development project. He then built Metropolitan Group building luxury housing complexes such as Pondok Indah and Bumi Serpong Damai. Then later built Ciputra Group as the third property giant, as well as Bank Ciputra and insurance company Ciputra Allstat.

His wealth mostly comes from his three property groups, Metropolitan Group, Jaya Group and Ciputra Group. Now 84 years old Ir. Ciputra he runs the leading property company in Indonesia of large-scale commercial properties.