B.R.A. Mooryati Soedibyo, Founder of Mustika Ratu, Dies at 96

B.R.A. Mooryati Soedibyo, the founder of Indonesian cosmetics and herbal medicine company Mustika Ratu, passed away at the age of 96 on April 24, 2024, at MMC Hospital in South Jakarta. She had been ill for over a month and was being treated at the hospital, with her condition worsening in her final days.

Mooryati was remembered as a great woman, an active entrepreneur, and the founder of Mustika Ratu, which produces beauty products, as well as the Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa. She was known for regularly consuming traditional herbal medicine (jamu) and maintaining her health.

Born on January 5, 1928, in Surakarta, Central Java, Mooryati established Mustika Ratu in 1978. The company blends science and cultural heritage to create cosmetics and traditional herbal remedies. Mooryati was also the founder of the Miss Indonesia beauty pageant and played a significant role in maintaining, shaping, and promoting the unique beauty values of Indonesian women.

Why this matters: Mooryati's passing is being mourned by both the beauty industry and the people of Indonesia, who appreciate her influence in the fields of beauty and entrepreneurship. Her contributions to the herbal, beauty, and healthcare industries in Indonesia were widely recognized, and she was praised for her efforts in strengthening the branding of Indonesian industry on the international stage.

In addition to her business ventures, Mooryati was a former Vice Chairman of the MPR and DPD. She was a recipient of the Mahaputra Adipradana star and was also involved in the Indonesian Red Cross during the independence war.

Mooryati was described as a noble, aristocratic, and successful businesswoman who still showed humility and politeness. "She was an inspiration to those who knew her," said her granddaughter Kusuma Anggraini and colleague Kusuma Dewi.

President Joko Widodo visited the funeral at Menteng, Central Jakarta, where he was greeted by Mooryati's son, Djoko Ramiadji, before performing the funeral prayers with the congregation. Mooryati's funeral was attended by various public figures, including business leaders and celebrities. She was buried at the Mustika Ratu Traditional Medicine Nursery Park in Tapos Village, Ciawi, West Java, next to her late husband's grave.

Key Takeaways

• Mooryati Soedibyo, founder of Mustika Ratu, passed away at 96 on April 24, 2024.
• Mooryati was a renowned entrepreneur, beauty industry leader, and traditional medicine advocate.
• Mustika Ratu blends science and cultural heritage to create cosmetics and herbal remedies.
• Mooryati founded the Miss Indonesia pageant and promoted Indonesian beauty values globally.
• Mooryati was a former Vice Chairman and received the Mahaputra Adipradana star.