Obituary: Remembering the Visionary of the Property Industry, Hendro S. Gondokusumo
Jakarta (March 13) – Hendro S. Gondokusumo was the founder and visionary leader behind the long-standing history of PT Intiland Development Tbk (Intiland: DILD). Affectionately known as Pak Hendro, he was recognized as a humble individual with sharp intuition in recognizing future potential. With unwavering determination and a steady hand, he built Intiland from a small dream into one of Indonesia’s leading property developers. Every property project he developed carried a vision beyond merely fulfilling basic needs—it aimed to enhance the quality of life and build communities.
His contributions and achievements extend beyond the properties that now shape Indonesia’s urban landscape. More than that, he left behind a legacy far greater than just physical structures. Hendro S. Gondokusumo taught us the importance of perseverance, the courage to innovate, and a commitment to quality—values that have become ingrained in the country’s property industry.
Hendro S. Gondokusumo was born in Malang, East Java, on September 6, 1950, as the third of eight siblings. He came from a modest family engaged in the agricultural commodities trade. At 17, young Hendro began learning about business by accompanying his father and uncle to Jakarta to trade agricultural products. However, he admitted he had little interest in the field. His passion for architecture and the beauty of old buildings solidified his decision to pursue a career in the property business.
Property is a fundamental necessity in society, alongside clothing and food. This perspective made young Hendro fall in love with the property business, seeing it as a sector with immense growth potential. “In the property industry, I can truly develop myself,” he once said.
The history of Intiland began in the 1970s when Hendro S. Gondokusumo was actively involved in property development in Jakarta and Surabaya. His early projects included Cilandak Garden Housing in South Jakarta, Taman Harapan Indah in Angke, West Jakarta, and Darmo Satellite City in Surabaya. These developments laid the foundation for Intiland, followed by other major projects such as Pantai Mutiara and Intiland Tower in the 1980s. A significant milestone was achieved in 1990 when the company was successfully listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange.
Throughout its history, Hendro S. Gondokusumo led Intiland as an innovative company and a trendsetter. Among its flagship projects is Regatta, an iconic luxury condominium designed by Tom Wright of Atkins Design, the architect of The Burj Al Arab in Dubai. He also spearheaded the development of premium areas in Surabaya, including Graha Famili, a 280-hectare independent township in West Surabaya, which features an 18-hole golf course.
In the 1990s, Hendro S. Gondokusumo continued driving Intiland’s growth by developing various new projects. However, the Asian financial crisis of 1997 severely impacted the property industry, including Intiland. Amid this turbulence, while many companies were forced to make large-scale cutbacks, Hendro S. Gondokusumo managed to keep Intiland afloat without sacrificing its workforce. With well-planned strategies and disciplined financial management, the company sustained operations using its own funding, demonstrating his resilience and leadership in overcoming major challenges.
Entering the 2010s, under the leadership of Hendro S. Gondokusumo, Intiland embarked on a new phase of expansion and business innovation. With keen foresight, the company launched various iconic projects that reinforced its position as a leading property developer. The year 2010 marked a significant milestone with the establishment of Intiwhiz International, a hospitality network managing Whiz Hotel and Grand Whiz Hotel, expanding Intiland’s business into the hospitality sector. Another success was the company’s IDR 2.7 trillion Rights Issue III, providing substantial capital for further growth.
In property development, Intiland introduced projects such as the 1Park Residence apartments and the Serenia Hills residential area in South Jakarta, as well as the integrated office complex South Quarter and the mixed-use development Aeropolis in Tangerang. In Surabaya, the company developed the Graha Festival superblock, featuring Spazio and Spazio Tower, Sumatra36 apartments, and Graha Golf.
During the major challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Hendro S. Gondokusumo once again demonstrated his resilience in leading Intiland. While the property industry experienced a sharp decline due to weakened consumer purchasing power, Intiland managed to persevere and even achieve significant milestones. With adaptive strategies and a long-term vision, the company not only sustained operations but also successfully completed the construction of two prestigious apartment projects: SQ Rés and Fifty Seven Promenade.
Beyond his dedication to business, Hendro S. Gondokusumo was also actively involved in various organizations. He held key positions in several institutions, including the Advisory Board of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), Chairman of the Indonesian Golf Course Owners Association, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Real Estate Indonesia Organization. Additionally, he once served as Chairman of the Jakarta Property Club.
These achievements reaffirm Hendro S. Gondokusumo’s leadership in steering Intiland forward with innovation and solid business strategies. Even in times of crisis, Intiland remained a trusted market player and maintained its position as one of Indonesia’s foremost property developers.
We will always remember Hendro S. Gondokusumo as a pioneer who paved the way for property developers in Indonesia. As a humble, visionary leader who upholds humanitarian values, he will always live on in every step we take toward building a better future.
Throughout his life, Hendro S. Gondokusumo held firm to his principles. Quoting the words of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, he often shared this advice: “Watch your thoughts, for they will become your words. Watch your words, for they will become your actions. Watch your actions, for they will become your habits. Watch your habits, for they will shape your character. Watch your character, for it will determine your destiny.”
Farewell, Pak Hendro. Thank you for everything you have given. Your legacy will live on forever.