The inspiring tale of Karmaka Surjaudaja, the sports coach turned bank executive who transformed his career with just one phone call. Dive into the captivating narrative right here!
Karmaka Surjaudaja stands as an influential figure in Indonesian banking, having led Bank NISP for over three decades. Yet, few could have predicted that his career trajectory originated from a vastly different profession: that of a sports coach and factory laborer. What's the story behind this remarkable journey?
Transitioning from Sports Coach to Factory Worker
Born as Kwee Tjie Hoei in Bandung in 1936, Karmaka Surjaudaja hailed from a family of Chinese immigrants from Hokja, China, who followed his father's path into teaching. From a young age, he had a penchant for sports and aspired to become an athlete.
However, due to economic constraints, he had to work tirelessly to make ends meet. After completing high school, he followed in his father's footsteps to become a sports coach at the Nan Hua Elementary and Middle School in Bandung in 1959.
In addition to his teaching role, he also took on a side job as a textile factory laborer in Majalaya. Balancing his responsibilities as a coach in the morning, a factory worker during the day, and a private tutor in the evenings, he managed to save money and support his family.
Marriage to the Daughter of Bank NISP's Owner
Amidst his dual roles as a coach and factory worker, Karmaka Surjaudaja couldn't have foreseen the dramatic shift his life would take after marrying one of his students. This student, Liem Kwei Ing, was the daughter of Lim Khe Tjie, the owner of Indonesia's oldest private bank, Nederlandsch Indische Spaar En Deposito Bank (NISP).
Karmaka Surjaudaja and Liem Kwei Ing tied the knot in 1959, after a period of courtship. Despite their differing backgrounds, their love and mutual support blossomed.
Following their marriage, Karmaka Surjaudaja was urged by his father-in-law to leave his coaching and factory work behind. Instead, a new opportunity arose for him as an efficiency manager at NV Padasuka, a textile factory owned by one of his father-in-law's acquaintances.
Answering the Call to Rescue Bank NISP
Karmaka Surjaudaja accepted the offer and began working at the textile factory, demonstrating excellent performance and positive impact on the company.
Although he was now part of the family owning Bank NISP, Karmaka Surjaudaja initially showed little interest in banking affairs. He believed he lacked the knowledge and experience in the field, and he didn't want to interfere with his father-in-law's business that had been running since 1941.
However, fate had other plans. In 1963, Karmaka Surjaudaja received a phone call from his father-in-law who was in Hong Kong. He was asked to step in at Bank NISP and assume management responsibilities.
As it turned out, Bank NISP was facing a crisis due to the reckless actions of the management. They had launched a promotion offering savings accounts with the promise of a car if customers deposited Rp 1.8 million.
Unfortunately, this promotion was unrealistic and detrimental to the bank. Many customers withdrew their funds, feeling deceived. Consequently, the bank faced liquidity shortages and the looming threat of bankruptcy.
Turning Bank NISP's Fate with Innovation and Dedication
Initially taken aback and perplexed by his father-in-law's request, Karmaka Surjaudaja felt inadequate and unprepared to become a bank executive. Yet, driven by respect and responsibility, he eventually acquiesced.
He embarked on a journey of learning about banking from scratch. He read books, attended courses, and consulted with experts. He endeavored to overhaul the bank's management and performance using innovative and creative approaches.
One of his key moves was renaming the bank from Nederlandsch Indische Spaar En Deposito Bank to Bank NISP. He believed the old name was too long and hard to remember. He also aimed to convey that the bank was a national institution serving the Indonesian community.
Furthermore, he introduced new products tailored to customers' needs and capabilities. For example, he introduced fixed-term savings accounts with higher interest rates than regular accounts. He also launched micro-credit products, providing small loans to small traders and entrepreneurs.
With his high level of innovation and dedication, Karmaka Surjaudaja succeeded in turning the tide for Bank NISP. He transformed it from a nearly bankrupt institution into a thriving, healthy bank. Under his leadership, the bank flourished for over 30 years, until 1998.
Becoming an Inspiration to the Younger Generation
Karmaka Surjaudaja's story serves as an inspiration to many. He proved that anything is achievable through learning and effort. He also demonstrated how one phone call can alter the course of one's life.
Karmaka Surjaudaja exemplifies the notion that success can be achieved from scratch. He transformed from a sports coach into a bank executive, transitioning from factory laborer to banking leader. His journey stands as a legendary example, worthy of respect and emulation.
Stepping Away from Bank NISP and Embracing Retirement
After leading Bank NISP for over three decades, Karmaka Surjaudaja chose to retire in 1998. He passed the leadership reins to his son, Pramukti Surjaudaja, a Harvard Business School graduate.
Seeking to enjoy his retirement, Karmaka Surjaudaja distanced himself from ongoing banking matters. He wished to relish activities he loved and offer young generations the chance to further develop Bank NISP.
Despite retirement, Karmaka Surjaudaja remained active in contributing to society. He served on the board of commissioners for several companies, including PT Astra International, PT United Tractors, and PT Astra Agro Lestari. He also participated as an advisory board member in institutions like Yayasan Kesehatan Perintis, Yayasan Pendidikan Perintis, and Yayasan Bina Nusantara.
Confronting Challenges with Optimism and Grace
Karmaka Surjaudaja embodies optimism and perseverance. He met challenges and difficulties with a positive, solution-oriented approach. He never complained or blamed others for the circumstances he faced.
A prime example of his optimistic nature is when he experienced a stroke in 2002. The stroke left him paralyzed on one side and impaired his speech. Nevertheless, he refused to give in to despair, putting in effort to recover with the support of his family and medical professionals.
He continued engaging in daily activities with zeal, reading books, watching television, and playing chess. He maintained communication with those around him, utilizing writing or gestures.
A Guiding Light for Family and Society
Karmaka Surjaudaja serves as a role model for family and society. He was a loyal husband and caring father, always offering affection and support to his wife and children. He instilled values of honesty, hard work, and responsibility in them.
He was also known for his generosity and concern for others. He frequently extended aid to those in need, particularly in the realms of education and healthcare. Scholarships for outstanding but financially challenged students were among his regular contributions.
His humility and simplicity further define him. He never displayed arrogance or flaunted his wealth or position. Approachable and courteous to everyone, he never forgot his roots as a sports coach and factory laborer.
In Conclusion
Karmaka Surjaudaja stands as an Indonesian banking legend with an extraordinary life story. He transformed from a sports coach to a bank executive through a single phone call from his father-in-law.
He rescued Bank NISP from crisis through unwavering innovation and dedication. Under his leadership, the bank became one of Indonesia's largest, overcoming its near-collapse status.
He serves as an inspiration to the younger generation, reminding them that relentless learning and effort can lead to success. He's also a guiding light for families and society, encouraging an optimistic, generous, and humble way of life.
Karmaka Surjaudaja, the sports coach turned bank executive, has left an indelible mark on Indonesian banking history and beyond.
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