Miranty Abidin – FORU Commissioner 

When you first joined Fortune, what position did you get?

When I first joined Fortune, I became an Account Executive (AE) in 1983 and began handling the corporate communications (Corpcom) at the company called PT Adwitiya Alembana.

How was your career journey in Fortune?

I felt Indonesia was less promoted and less known in the world. In many occasions when I introduced myself and said that I come from Indonesia, they did not know about Indonesia; they only knew that Indonesia was a part of Bali. Therefrom, I saw that the need for Public Relations (PR) was very high. I had to open a new field, and then I joined PT Adwitiya Alembana. On its journey, this company continued to grow. Then I seceded and founded Fortune PR. At that time, PR industry was not as familiar as advertising industry. I was determined to join Fortune but I had to open a new field, I did not want to be involved in advertising. I joined as an AE who handled Corpcom. I worked with several companies as clients. Then in 1986, Fortune PR could operate without the support of advertising, I finally broke away and Fortune PR was founded. The challenge then was that I had to educate Fortuners with advertising educational background but without knowledge about PR. One Stop Service for comprehensive services.

During your work at Fortune, which was the most memorable client or case you have ever handled?

There were so many of them, one of which is Sampoerna. In the past, the company and its products were not known. People were much more familiar with Dji Sam Soe than with Sampoerna which is its parent company. I slowly built their philosophy, then looked for the highest point of perfection taken from the words Dji Sam Soe or the numbers 2,3,4 summed up to get the number 9. Then we organized a climbing at the Himalayas for our climbers, and this activity got the attention of Indonesian people. There was one climber who was frozen and almost got his hand amputated. This struggle eventually bore fruit with the raising of the red and white flag at the top of the Himalaya. The program was quite spectacular and Sampoerna was finally known as a big company.

Another memorable moment was when I helped the advertising team that handled cases of alleged lard in Dancow products. If you advertise in the newspaper, you should pay but with the effort of Fortune PR we did not have to pay to improve the image of Dancow milk. Fortune PR also got to know better about the credible journalists and mass media. As a result, Dancow milk sales rose manifold.

Is there any memorable item that you still keep?

I always store every award neatly. I put the awards Fortune PR got for the first time, many times afterwards, and until now in the office.

What activities do you do besides working at Fortune?

I initiated several other businesses and trust the job affairs to the young people in the office. Now, I am getting more involved in social activities such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) i.e. Sanggar Fortune.

Who inspires you in your career and appearance?

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, because she could show a simple, charming character and her taste of fashion is uncomplicated, nice and elegant.

Why are you very active in social movements?

We can make our life more meaningful. Basically it is my passion and it is something that challenges me to be a good person. The best of people are those who do good to others. My life is not for myself, so I should be good for my family, the office, and the social life so that I have a meaningful life while sharing happiness to others.

How do you maintain your health and manage your time amidst the hectic schedule?

I am used to make a priority. So it depends on the day’s priority. If I have to take my child’s report card or my family needs me, of course I will prioritize them. I have to chat with my children’s school teachers and to consult about their development at school. Likewise, when the office needs me, I will put it forward. Each day has different priority. Now I often attend my grandchildren’s performances at school, at least once a year. Surely they will be proud if I take time to come.

What is your favorite family activity?

My family and I usually go out together to dine. We also often go into the open. However, due to the health condition of my husband currently, we mostly spend our weekends at home playing in the yard or cooking the family’s favorite food at home.