Indonesia Expat had the chance to get to know Sebastian Goldmann: a German native who is now serving as the Regional General Manager for the Hilton properties across Indonesia.
It is a new era for Hilton Indonesia, thanks largely to the arrival of the dynamic and effervescent Sebastian Goldmann. In a chat with Indonesia Expat, Sebastian shared, among many things, how he discovered a career in hospitality as his true calling in life, how he plans to maintain Hilton’s competitive edge in Indonesia, and his assessment of the present (and the future) of one of Hilton’s exciting properties in Indonesia: DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro.
Hi, Sebastian. Let’s get started with the easiest question. What can you tell us about yourself?
I was born and raised in a quaint village in Germany. My early years were steeped in the rich traditions of German culinary arts, which led me to pursue a Chef apprenticeship locally. However, I soon realised that, in order to truly broaden my horizons and deepen my expertise, I needed to venture beyond familiar borders. After completing my studies at a Hotel Management school in Germany, I embarked on a global journey, starting with a pivotal posting in China. This international experience has been instrumental in shaping my initial career, ultimately guiding me to my current role.
I gathered that you have accumulated at least 26 years of professional experience in the field of hospitality. What is it about hospitality that remains resonating with you to this day? Also, do you consider hospitality as your ‘calling’ in life?
Hospitality is an ever-evolving field where no two days are the same, yet its core essence remains constant: it’s all about people. Whether it is interacting with guests or collaborating with team members, the fundamental goal is to provide warmth and care. At Hilton, our vision is to spread the light and warmth of hospitality globally. Truly, this is a mission that resonates deeply with me and that is what each of the 200 Team Members of DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro and I are embodying every day. The dynamic nature of the industry, coupled with the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s experiences, confirms that hospitality is, indeed, my true calling.
In April this year, you were appointed as the Regional General Manager for the Hilton properties across Indonesia. Can you share with us the journey leading up to your current role?
When I began my career as a Chef apprentice in a small town in Germany, I would have never expected nor anticipated the international journey that might lay ahead, let alone supporting a number of hotels in Indonesia in the future. The hospitality industry is unique in offering abundant opportunities for growth and advancement. The more flexible you are and the harder you work, the more opportunities will come your way. I vividly recall the 1st of September, 2004, when I started my first role in Shenyang, China. Relocating to a new country and culture, where I did not speak the language, was a profound experience that accelerated both my personal and professional development. This spirit of adaptability and hard work has been central to my progression to the role of Regional General Manager.
One of the Hilton properties that you are keeping a close eye on is the prestigious DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro. From your perspective, what is the key factor that has made this particular property, especially over the past ten years, become one of the most celebrated accommodation destinations here in Jakarta?
DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro stands out primarily due to its resort-inspired atmosphere, featuring a serene lagoon pool and lush green gardens, making it an unparalleled oasis in the heart of Jakarta. Our guests can enjoy the beautiful, tropical greenery while only being a few minutes of drive from the bustling downtown area — especially families with kids coming here for staycations. Combining this with our top-tier food and beverage offerings and versatile event facilities, we are catering well to both leisure and business guests.
At the heart of our success are our dedicated Team Members. At Hilton, we are committed to being an engine of opportunity for our team members – through continuous investment in their growth and development as well as cultivating an environment where they can thrive. As a testament to this fact, we were just named the top hospitality company to work for in Indonesia by Great Place To Work® for the second consecutive time this year.
How would you describe the current clientele at the Hilton chains across Indonesia, including DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro? Have you observed and discovered any change in, for instance, the clientele’s socioeconomic demographic and their needs, post-pandemic?
The clientele at our Hilton properties across Indonesia, including DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro, has always been diverse, reflecting the dynamic nature of the country as both a business hub and a popular tourist destination. Post-pandemic, we’ve seen an increase in domestic travel, driven by Indonesians who are exploring their own country more extensively. This shift has brought a more diverse socioeconomic mix to our properties, with a noticeable rise in middle-class travellers seeking quality experiences closer to home. These guests are discerning and value both comfort and authenticity, leading us to adapt our offerings to cater to their expectations for personalised and meaningful experiences.
While corporate travellers still represent a substantial portion of our clientele, there’s been an increased blending of business and leisure—commonly referred to as ‘bleisure’ travel. Guests are now extending their business trips to include leisure time, often bringing along family members. This trend has led our properties to focus on providing amenities and experiences that cater to both business and relaxation, ensuring that our properties meet the multifaceted needs of these guests.
When it comes to DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro, in particular, is there any possible room for improvement that you would like to address and explore in the foreseeable future? If so, what is it and why?
While DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro is already a beloved destination for both business and leisure travellers, as the hotel won an award as the ‘Best Family Hotel 2023’, we are continuously in pursuit of innovative ways to elevate our offerings across food and beverage. For instance, we have just launched a new exciting culinary concept at Sea Grain Restaurant & Bar, which highlights sustainable dining using locally sourced ingredients across the archipelago of Indonesia. Moreover, we are also continuously in pursuit of innovative ways to elevate the hotel’s meetings and events capabilities, as well as sustainability, to deliver unparalleled guest experiences and ensure that the hotel remains a top choice for travellers in Jakarta.
In this post-pandemic era, the new players as well as the existing players in the Indonesian hospitality sector have started to come out of the woodwork and try to secure their place in the increasingly competitive market. As a leader, what is your motto or your principle when it comes to maintaining Hilton’s competitive edge?
I believe that competition drives us to continually reflect, review, and improve. A quote that resonates with me is: “Don’t demand perfection. Insist on continuous improvement.” It is key to not just respond to market changes, which are inherent in the dynamic and ever-evolving hospitality landscape, but also to continuously innovate our offerings and services, enhance our guest experiences, and invest in our Team Members.
Today’s travellers are savvier and more selective, choosing brands and destinations that reflect their lifestyles. To cater to this, we’re expanding our portfolio in Indonesia as well as offering guests a broader range of choices. We’ve recently announced new signings in Indonesia — including introducing Hilton’s luxury brand, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, into Jakarta — as well as full and focused service properties like Hilton Manado, Hilton Garden Inn Manado which is situated in North Sulawesi, and Hilton Bandung Padalarang which is situated in the West Bandung Regency.
We also recognise that travellers today seek more than just a place to stay—they’re looking for unique experiences that resonate with their personal wellness and lifestyle aspirations. To this end, we’ve strengthened our F&B and wellness offerings across our properties. For instance, at Conrad Bali, guests can experience JIWA Wellness: a concept that blends ancient Balinese healing philosophies with natural energies to promote self-healing. With innovative treatments like sleep therapy, aerial yoga, and aqua yoga, the resort is helping guests reconnect with themselves on a deeper level.
Being a business of ‘people-serving-people’, having a strong and inclusive culture where our Team Members can thrive and grow in both a professional and personal capacity is of utmost importance as well. Hilton’s recent accolade as the top hospitality company to work for and the second-best workplace in Indonesia across all industries by Great Place To Work® underscores our commitment to our Team Members and their development.
Can you share any insights or future plans regarding Hilton properties in Indonesia, specifically DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro?
As one of the region’s fastest-growing economies, Indonesia is an important market for Hilton. Hilton is set to double its portfolio in Southeast Asia in the coming years, and the Indonesia portfolio will play an important part in that growth trajectory.
As mentioned in my response to an earlier question, we will be expanding our portfolio in Indonesia across multiple brands and emerging destinations in the country to cater to the evolving needs of owners and guests. This includes the debut of Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Waldorf Astoria in Jakarta as well as the openings of Hilton Bandung Padalarang, Hilton Manado, and Hilton Garden Inn Manado in the coming years.
Finally, how can readers connect with you and DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro?
The best way for our readers to connect with us is through direct communication via email at JakartaDiponegoro.info@hilton.com, or call +62 21 2985 7000 where our customer service lines are always available to assist with any enquiries or bookings. Readers can also discover more on our website: jakartadiponegoro.doubletree.com. In addition, the other way to stay connected is by joining Hilton Honors: our expansive loyalty programme with over 190 million members. Members can earn and redeem points, access exclusive rates, and use our app to interact with Hilton properties, including DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro.
Lastly, feel free to email Kresna Koesoemo, our Regional Commercial Director for Hilton Indonesia and Timor Leste, at kresna.koesoemo@hilton.com, or visit our hotel at Jalan Pegangsaan Timur No. 17, Cikini, Central Jakarta. Feel free to also WhatsApp us via the following numbers: +62 811 1917 4608.