Astra International Wins 'Best Company in Indonesia' Award
According to Finance Asia magazine, Astra International, one of the largest diversified conglomerates in Indonesia, is the best company in Indonesia, thus obtaining the "Platinum Award" from the magazine that focuses on finance, investment banking, economic and capital markets news. Astra International won the award due to its corporate performance and management (including investor relations, corporate social responsibility program) and CEO leadership. As such, Astra is considered to be on par with world class companies such as Samsung Electronics and China Telecom.
When accepting the award, Prijono Sugiarto, President Director of Astra International, said this award not only forms a source of pride for all stakeholders within the Astra Group (that was founded 59 years ago) but also for the Indonesian people. He expressed these words at the "Finance Asia 20th Anniversary Platinum Awards" in Hong Kong (at the Conrad Hotel) on Thursday (13/10).
However, it is not the first time Astra International wins awards from Finance Asia magazine. Over the past 20 years, Astra International won 25 awards ranging from "Best Managed Company" (13 times), "Best Corporate Governance" (10 times) to "Best CEO" (twice). It is unique that one company wins Finance Asia magazine awards nearly every year.
Astra International, which is among the top three of biggest companies in terms of market capitalization on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, has 202 subsidiaries and employs 213,175 people. Its core business is the automotive market. However, over its 59-year history it has expanded into various other sectors, including agribusiness, heavy equipment, mining, energy, banking, IT and infrastructure. So far this year shares of Astra International have surged nearly 36 percent, supported by accelerating macroeconomic growth of Indonesia. Astra International is often labeled the barometer of the Indonesian economy due to its presence in nearly all key sectors within the economy.
The Best Company Award is given to one company from each Asian nation that is covered by Finance Asia magazine.
Best Companies - Finance Asia Magazine Awards 2016:
| Country | Company |
| Indonesia | Astra International |
| South Korea | Samsung Electronics |
| China | China Telecom |
| Thailand | PTT |
| Singapore | Singtel |
| Philippines | Ayala Corporation |
| Hong Kong | CK Hutchison/Sun Hung Kai Properties |
| India | Infosys |
| Malaysia | Public Bank |
| Taiwan | TSMC |
Source: Investor Daily