
JAKARTA -- From his early days as a university student selling dental equipment to his peers, Chairul Tanjung has built a sprawling conglomerate by betting on changes in consumer trends. Now he is gearing up for another pivot.
"Three billion U.S. dollars in three years," he said slowly, pausing before each word to emphasize its significance. Speaking from his office looking over the busy streets of Jakarta he sounded calm but serious. His trademark smile, which has been captured countless times in photographs alongside heads of state and corporate executives, was gone.