Jakarta — From a modest rented house to becoming the CEO of two major companies, Jonie Yap, the inspirational figure behind the success of PT SJA Global Cosmindo and PT Nutraceutical Biotech Indonesia, has journeyed through a life full of twists and turns. His brand, Papaya Soap, is now recognized as a local body care product that has penetrated international markets, offering the best quality at an affordable price.
Jonie Yap moved to Jakarta at the age of seven, where his family lived in extreme poverty. Their rented house without ceramic tiles and sharing a well with neighbors bore silent witness to their struggles. Jonie’s father worked in a garment factory, while his mother sold catering food. This situation forced them to frequently move from one rental house to another until they could finally buy a small house in Jelambar after years of hard work.
Jonie’s teenage years were marked by significant responsibilities. In high school, he helped his parents run a gas store and delivered orders by bicycle. To earn extra pocket money, Jonie and his siblings provided private tutoring for elementary school children. Additionally, he worked at night writing lottery tickets.
After graduating from college, Jonie and his siblings tried their luck by opening a cosmetic shop in Asemka. There, they realized that foreign products were highly sought after, even without BPOM certification. This prompted them to learn how to make soap on their own. Armed with self-taught knowledge and the relentless effort of their mother who sought the perfect formula, they successfully produced transparent soap and Papaya Soap in 1999 under the name CV Sukses Jaya Abadi.
Papaya Soap: From Local Product to International Icon
Papaya Soap, their first product, continues to be a best-seller to this day. Its advantages lie in its affordable price and its benefits of brightening and softening the skin. From the beginning, Papaya Soap has been recognized as the first and best papaya soap in Indonesia, now gone international. Not stopping there, PT SJA Global Cosmindo has also started offering cross-country OEM opportunities, expanding their product reach.
“Our hope for consumers is that they will be smarter in choosing products. Choose products that are of high quality and stand the test of time,” Jonie Yap advised. “Allow us to help consumers better in the field of body care and personal care.”
Business Expansion and Latest Innovations
As the business grew, PT SJA Global Cosmindo expanded its product line from body care to skincare, supported by an experienced R&D team. After 25 years in operation, Jonie Yap also founded PT Nutraceutical Biotech Indonesia, focusing on powdered drinks for slimming, collagen, meal replacement, and liquid sachet drinks.
Jonie Yap is living proof that from simplicity and hard work, great innovations can emerge that bring about change. His story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that local products can also compete and thrive in international markets.