Susanto Yang was born in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. He graduated from Trisakti University, Jakarta, in management. His career in palm oil started more than 15 years ago. He joined Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food in 2007 and today, he is the CEO of the West Kalimantan plantations. He is also the vice chief of GAPKI (Indonesia Palm Oil Industry Association) for Public Policy Department.