20 April 2023

The future of work is collaboration. In this series, PaperOne™, the flagship brand of leading paper and pulp manufacturer APRIL Group, shines its spotlight on our well-connected and diverse partner network. We interview our successful partners, whom we recognise as thought leaders of our sector, to find out more about them, their company, their partnership with APRIL Group, as well as their invaluable insights on the pulp and paper industry.

Transforming a Family Business

Taking over the reins of a family business comes with its own unique set of challenges, and something that Mr Franky Julianto, the Managing Director of Indonesia’s leading paper printing specialist, PT. Ario Sakti Prana, knows very well. In this April feature, join us in exploring the longstanding relationship that Mr Julianto’s business has enjoyed with APRIL Group over the past 12 years.

So, Mr Julianto, let’s start with a little background. Could you tell us about your company?

Certainly. PT. Ario Sakti Prana has been around for more than 60 years and currently serves as one of the largest distributors for most of Indonesia’s paper mills, dealing in products like copy paper, duplex paper, newsprint, wood-free paper, ivory board, paperboard, and cut-size paper. We are located in Semarang, the capital and largest city of Central Java! Our objective is to support business growth within the Central Java market, which consists of some of the largest exercise books and cigarette producers nationwide.

How did you get into the paper industry and what do you enjoy most about your work?

As the third-generation taking over this family business in 2000, it’s my personal and professional responsibility to ensure that we are making sustainable profits and growth. Growing up, everyone in my family has always been involved in the paper business, I guess you could say the paper industry raised me!

I feel that Indonesia still has many areas that are untouched by digital development. Especially the rural areas, where they still require physical books and papers for their daily needs. The part I love most about my work is the ability to help other businesses in Central Java, so we are very focused on helping to make sure that the book converters and cigarette manufacturers in the region have a smooth production supply. Being able to grow our paper business, while helping our customers with their specific needs and solving their business challenges–this makes me look forward to coming into work every day.

It’s wonderful to hear about businesses that truly care about their customers. Has your company’s partnership with PaperOne impacted or helped in any way?

Yes. We’ve been in partnership with APRIL Group for 12 long years now, and still going strong! As we anticipate a future where people start switching to e-resources, quality is everything. And PaperOne delivers every single time, with the best paper machines, strategies for the future, as well as its consistently excellent paper quality, high white shade, and fantastic pulp formation. The products are all well packaged, ensuring that our customers receive their orders in great condition. That aside, I’m also very impressed with the customer service and technical support we’ve received. This allows us to close more deals and scale more easily across industries.

Which PaperOne products do you sell?

Mainly the Ixora, PP Lite, and Offset premium ranges, which we use for both folios and rolls.

What are your thoughts on innovation and sustainability?

When it comes to sustainability, it definitely plays an important role for both businesses and the world at large today. We are already seeing an increase in the demand and usage of eco-friendly food grade packaging paper. As PaperOne’s paper ranges are PEFC certified and come from sustainable sources, we are delighted to be a part of the brand’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Thank you, we are delighted to have your continued support and commitment too! Lastly, what are your thoughts on the future of the paper and pulp industry? In this age of digitalisation, do you think the need for paper will eventually run out?

Well… It is true that digital transformation is resulting in more paperless and e-paper options. Now more than ever, the emphasis is on quality. Consistently high quality. This will help us to extend our legacy and pass down values of sustainability and quality to our next generation. I’m confident that the demand for paper will not die out despite the changes, as paper can never truly be replaced.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us, Mr Julianto. We appreciate your business’ collaboration thus far. Here’s to many more successful years of partnership between PaperOne and PT. Ario Sakti Prana.