Muslims believe in the existence of a predestined Muslim. This is a destiny that has been decreed by Allah SWT, but which can still be changed through human effort or endeavor. It seems that is what happened to the owner of PO Haryanto, H. Haryanto.
From a traveling ice seller as a child, he has now become one of the owners of the largest Autobus Company (PO) in Indonesia, Haryanto.
For those of you who frequently travel using bus transportation, this name must be familiar. This is because PO Haryanto’s route is very wide, starting from Jakarta to Sumenep, which is on Madura Island, East Java.
The following is Haryanto’s inspiring story, from a traveling ice seller to a successful bus PO boss.
Selling ice around since elementary school
Haryanto’s entrepreneurial spirit seems to have emerged since childhood, although he also did it because he wanted to help his parents who couldn’t afford it.
Since he was still in elementary school (SD), he has been selling ice around. Wearing only a torn t-shirt and no sandals, little Haryanto still tried to help his family. Even though sometimes the ice he sells doesn’t sell out, he admits he never complains.
After reaching adolescence, Haryanto still tried to earn extra money. At that time, he also worked as a cigarette factory worker in Kudus, Central Java, while applying for jobs at a number of companies. However, because no company accepted him, he finally decided to become a construction worker.
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From being a soldier he changed his fate to becoming a driver
With his Engineering School (ST) diploma, Haryanto intends to become a soldier in the hope that this profession can change his fate. He then decided to move from Kudus to register as a soldier.
In 1979, he was accepted as a member of the TNI and assigned to Arhanudri 1/Kostrad in Tangerang. Because he felt that his salary as a soldier was not enough, Haryanto, who was always enthusiastic and never gave up, also worked as a night transport driver.
Unexpectedly, this profession is what made him the biggest PO boss in Indonesia until now.
Desperate to open a PO with capital of 5 buses
Starting from being a night transport driver, the man born in 1959 became interested in getting involved in the transportation sector. In 2002, he was determined to establish an autobus company named after him, PO Haryanto.
Starting with only having five buses in quite poor condition, Haryanto started his business full of challenges and trials. Had opened the Cikarang – Tangerang route, unfortunately the route failed and there were no passengers.
He then opened a further route, namely from his hometown, Kudus, with the aim of Jakarta. Unexpectedly, the route started to get busy and the PO business slowly continued to grow rapidly.
Haryanto then decided to retire from the army and focus on developing his PO. However, trials came to him again. In 2007, PO Haryanto experienced the impact of the economic crisis and the increase in fuel prices, causing him to have debts of up to IDR 17 billion.
However, it wouldn’t be Haryanto if he didn’t keep fighting and trying. He asked Allah SWT to give him permission to give him 5 years to pay off his debt. It turns out, in just 3 years he managed to pay off the IDR 17 billion debt.
Now, PO Haryanto already has more than 300 buses serving 13 routes from Jakarta to Sumenep.
Lessons to be Learned from Haryanto
Perseverance, hard work and belief in one’s principles are the keys to Haryanto’s success in overcoming challenges. Since elementary school until now, this man has never known the word give up.
Apart from that, Haryanto also dares to take risks and is able to adapt to change. He is not afraid to try various types of new work, as long as it can lead him to success
However, one of the most important lessons from Haryanto is to believe in prayer and effort in facing difficulties.
“Successful people cannot be separated from tests and trials. Allah says, ‘Whoever trusts in Me, no matter how difficult the matter, I will take care of it.’ “These words made me believe and keep trying,” he said.
As an entrepreneur, you can learn a lot from Haryanto’s success story. The point is, never give up and always try and pray. If you need help managing your business, now there are many applications that can help you, such as Labamu.
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