M. Johnnie Sugiarto, founder of EL JOHN Indonesia, began his career as a radio announcer in Palembang in the 1970s. Through hard work and intelligence, at a very young age, he managed to purchase the radio station where he worked and began expanding into various business sectors.

Although he started in broadcasting, M. Johnnie Sugiarto discovered his true passion in tourism. In the late 1980s, he established a travel agency that became the forerunner of EL JOHN Indonesia. His business continued to grow, covering hospitality, travel services, and even a tourism magazine, all packaged with excellence.

Beyond tourism, M. Johnnie Sugiarto also expanded into EL JOHN Media, which includes radio, television, and magazines. His main focus in Indonesia has been human resource development to prepare people for careers in the tourism sector. In the early 1990s, he founded the EL JOHN Indonesia Foundation, followed by the establishment of vocational high schools (SMK) and various training courses offering multiple programs. Under the EL JOHN Indonesia Foundation, EL JOHN Pageants was also established, driven by the spirit of encouraging young people to keep learning and to compete confidently both nationally and internationally.

Beauty pageants such as Putri Pariwisata Indonesia, Putra Putri Pariwisata Nusantara, Putri Bumi Indonesia, Miss Chinese Indonesia, Miss Tourism Universe, Putri Kampus Indonesia, and other competitions are among its initiatives. To further motivate the younger generation to learn and create, EL JOHN Academy was founded to provide more learning opportunities, enabling young people to stand proudly on the world stage and bring honor to the great name of Indonesia.