JAKARTA - In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, which often deifies academic titles, an anomalous story emerges that breaks all skepticism. This is not just a story about financial success, but a proof that limited background is not a barrier to a towering dream.
Cheriatna, founder of Cheria Holiday, is a figure who managed to answer the world's doubts. A child of a plant farmer who only had a high school diploma, but was able to conquer five continents and bring 11 of his children to explore more than 50 countries.
A Dream That Grows Between Polybags Cheriatna's childhood was far from luxurious. Born on August 5, 1974, he spent his days among the smell of manure and rows of ornamental plants in polybags on the outskirts of South Jakarta. While his peers pursued a bachelor's degree at prestigious universities, Cheriatna had to come to terms with the fact as a high school graduate.
The breeze often stops at his ears. "At most, I can only continue my father's hoe," said the voices of the doubters who doubted his future. However, for Cheriatna, life is the real university.
"A degree is just a piece of paper, but faith is a compass. God doesn't see where you started, but how strong you are to get to your destination," said Cheriatna through his written statement, Monday (5/1).
11 Children: Not a Burden, but Fuel
Cheriatna's life challenges are getting bigger when he is cared for by 11 children. Mathematically, humanely, raising a large family in the harshness of Jakarta with a high school diploma sounds impossible. However, together with his wife, Farida Ningsih, Cheriatna actually makes his 11 children as "fuel" for enthusiasm.
This is where Cheria Holiday was born. Built from scratch, this halal tourism business did not immediately skyrocket. Cheriatna faced a storm of losses until the strategy was deadlocked. However, he holds one principle that cannot be bargained: successful business should not sacrifice the family. He proved that the role as a successful entrepreneur and a warm father can go hand in hand.
Making the World a Classroom Philosophy Sunda "Silih asih, silih asah, silih asuh" is his life motto. Now, hard work has paid off. Cheria Holiday has emerged as a global halal tourism market leader.
Cheriatna managed to realize a dream that was once laughed at. The footsteps of his large family have now been planted in more than 50 countries. From the cold snow of Europe, to the grandeur of America, to the exoticism of Africa and the Middle East.
"I want to give my children a 'world school' curriculum. Show the greatness of God directly in various parts of the world," he said.
A Message for the Dreamer Cheriatna's story is a reminder that the origin is not the final determinant of a journey. He removes the boundaries between "outsider" and "center of success". In accordance with the spiritual values that he believes in, changing fate only belongs to those who dare to step forward and refuse to just be spectators.
Now, through Cheria Holiday, he wants to invite more families to dare to dream and explore the world without hesitation, through quality halal and umrah travel services. Because if a farmer's child who graduated from high school can conquer the world, then you can too.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
