Asean Voice – Jonie Yap, the CEO of PT SJA Global Cosmindo and PT Nutraceutical, is living proof that hard work and perseverance can transform someone from difficult circumstances to remarkable success. Starting from humble beginnings, Jonie Yap now leads one of the leading companies in the body care industry in Indonesia.

A Long Journey from Limitations

Since the age of seven, Jnnie Yap has experienced the harsh realities of life. Coming from a poor family that migrated to Jakarta, Jonie and his family had to live in a rented house with far from decent conditions. “We lived in a rented house with unpaved floors, and we had to draw water from a shared well for the bathroom,” he recalled.

This challenging life continued through high school, where Jonie helped his parents by running a gas store and delivering gas orders using a bicycle. Additionally, he took jobs as a private tutor and wrote lottery tickets to earn pocket money.

From a Small Shop to a Cosmetic Factory

A significant change in Jonie Yap’s life occurred when he and his siblings opened a small cosmetic shop in Asemka after graduating from college. It was from this shop that they began to see the vast potential in the cosmetics industry. “We noticed that foreign products were highly sought after, even without BPOM certification. So, we learned how to make soap bars on our own,” he said.

With full support from their mother, who sought out ways to make soap, they succeeded in finding formulas for transparent soap and papaya soap. The first papaya soap was produced in 1999 under the name CV Sukses Jaya Abadi and has now become one of the best-selling soaps in Indonesia.

Papaya Soap: A Local Product Going Global

Papaya Soap, produced by PT SJA Global Cosmindo, has advantages that set it apart from other products. Offering benefits of brightening and softening the skin at an affordable price, “Since 1998, our papaya soap has been the first and best in Indonesia. Our local product has now gone international and has opened cross-country OEM services,” Jonie explained.

The product targets the middle to lower market segment but still prioritizes quality that stands the test of time. Jonie hopes consumers will be more discerning in choosing products by selecting ones that are proven to be effective and of high quality. “Allow us to help consumers better in the field of body care and personal care,” he added.

25 Years of Innovation and Growth

Over the 25 years since its founding, PT SJA Global Cosmindo has grown rapidly. Not only focusing on body care, but the company also produces skincare products with the help of experienced R&D staff. “I thank the entire family of PT SJA Global Cosmindo who have been with us until now,” Jonie expressed.

Additionally, Jonie Yap has ventured into other fields by establishing PT Nutraceutical Biotech Indonesia, which operates in the field of powdered drinks for slimming, collagen, meal replacement, and liquid sachet drinks.

With his inspirational story, Jonie Yap teaches us that from limitations and hard work, one can achieve extraordinary success. Papaya Soap is not just a product but a symbol of struggle and dedication capable of penetrating international markets.