Abdul Latief (Indonesian businessman)
Abdul Latief is the prominent Indonesian businessman and politician. He was the founder of Pasaraya department store and television network Lativi, as well as the former Indonesian minister in the New Order era. Early life Abdul Latief was born on 27 April 1940, in Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. He was bought up according to Muslim and Minangkabau traditions. Latief's father was a textile trader and his mother was an activist in Aisyiyah (a part of the Muhammadiyah Islamic organization). In 1950, Latief's family moved from Banda Aceh to Jakarta. While at school, he performed well enough academically to become the best student. After graduating, Latief worked as head of promotion in the Sarinah department store. He also attended in-store management courses in Tokyo, Japan. In 1972, Latief founded the Young Indonesian Entrepreneur Community, known as HIPMI, and he was elected as leader for 1972–1973. Business career After working for about nine years in department stores, in 1972 Latief decided he wanted to own a department store, but had to settle for a variety store. Starting from a mini store in Grogol, Jakarta, Latief and his brother, Abdul Muthalib, founded PT Latief Marda Corporation. Two years later, they founded PT