JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Soegiharto Sosrodjojo, the founder of Rekso Group, passed away at the age of 96 on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Mitra Keluarga Kelapa Gading Hospital. He leaves behind a significant business legacy, with several companies under the Rekso Group umbrella, including PT Sinar Sosro (the producer of Teh Botol Sosro), PT Rekso Nasional Food (the owner of the McDonald’s franchise in Indonesia), and PT Gunung Selamat (a major tea producer).

Soegiharto, one of Indonesia’s prominent business figures, was once listed among the top 10 richest individuals in Indonesia by Forbes in 2012, with an estimated wealth of US$1.2 billion (approximately Rp 10.8 trillion).

Rekso Group, which Soegiharto founded, became a powerhouse in Indonesia’s beverage industry, most notably through its iconic Teh Botol Sosro, and played a crucial role in expanding the McDonald’s franchise in the country.

The Sosrodjojo family’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1940 in Slawi, Central Java, where they initially produced and marketed tea under the brand Teh Cap Botol. In 1960, Soegiharto and his siblings moved to Jakarta to expand the family business, and in 1969, they introduced the bottled ready-to-drink tea, Teh Botol Sosro, which became a household name.

The brand’s name was derived from their original tea, Teh Cap Botol, and their family name, Sosrodjojo.

While Soegiharto was the second generation to lead the family business, he was the driving force behind its expansion. His siblings and their descendants pursued their own business ventures, leaving Soegiharto to spearhead the growth of Rekso Group. He played a pivotal role in transforming Rekso Group into a major player in Indonesia’s beverage and fast-food sectors.

Rekso Group holds the majority share in PT Sinar Sosro, one of the largest beverage companies in Indonesia. Additionally, Soegiharto was the owner of PT Rekso Nasional Food, the leading franchisee of McDonald’s in Indonesia. Another subsidiary, PT Gunung Selamat, produces a variety of teas, further solidifying Soegiharto’s influence in the industry.

Soegiharto also contributed significantly to the tea market through PT Gunung Selamat, which produces both black and green tea in tea bag and loose leaf forms. The brand’s products, including Teh Cap Botol, Teh Celup Sosro, and Teh Cap Poci, have gained popularity in the Indonesian market and are also exported to several countries, including the Philippines, Singapore, the United States, and many more.

Under Soegiharto’s leadership, PT Sinar Sosro expanded its operations to include 12 factories, more than 160 sales offices, and warehouses across Indonesia. With around 8,000 employees, the company’s products have been exported to over 15 countries, further cementing its position as a global player in the beverage industry.

Soegiharto’s innovative approach to marketing, particularly the slogan “Apapun makanannya, minumnya Teh Botol Sosro,” was instrumental in changing how tea was sold and consumed in Indonesia. His legacy lives on through Rekso Group’s continued success and its influence on the Indonesian business landscape. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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