General Manager Handrian shares how the property blends sophisticated service, pet-friendly hospitality, art, and sustainability to redefine the luxury serviced apartment experience in Jakarta.
Nestled in Jakarta’s vibrant Central Business District, Ascott Sudirman Jakarta offers more than just a place to stay. It provides a complete lifestyle experience. The property features spacious, thoughtfully designed apartments that balance comfort with elegance, complemented by curated dining experiences at Serambi Restaurant and The Loft Lounge & Bar. A pet-friendly property, art installations by renowned artists like Hendra Gunawan, and GSTC-certified sustainability initiatives further distinguish Ascott Sudirman as a property where luxury, art, and conscious living come together seamlessly.
Indonesia Expat had a chance to talk to Handrian, General Manager of Ascott Sudirman Jakarta, and discover insightful descriptions on what makes the property truly unique.
Hi, Handrian! Let’s start by introducing yourself first to our readers.
My journey in hospitality began in 2008, shortly after completing my formal education in hospitality management. I took my first steps in Jakarta, joining several renowned four-star hotels where I built a strong foundation in service and operations. In 2013, I embarked on a new chapter with The Ascott Limited, a journey that has since spanned more than 12 years. Over this time, I have grown and evolved together with the company, embracing opportunities, contributing to its success, and developing into the leader I am today.
As the General Manager, in your view, what differentiates Ascott Sudirman Jakarta from other luxury serviced apartments in the city?
Ascott Sudirman Jakarta stands out by combining a prime CBD location with spacious home-like apartments, curated lifestyle and dining experiences, and warm, personalised service that makes our guests feel like home. Adding to its distinctiveness, Ascott Sudirman Jakarta is a pet-friendly property, as we welcome guests and their beloved companions to feel truly at home. It is also GSTC-certified, underscoring Ascott Sudirman Jakarta’s commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality, ensuring that comfort and care go hand in hand with environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for Ascott Sudirman, and how do you plan to further elevate the guest experience in the coming years?
Looking ahead, Ascott Sudirman Jakarta is entering an exciting new chapter. We are evolving beyond the concept of a luxury serviced apartment into a destination that embodies the refinement and full-service experience of a luxury hotel. This evolution reflects our confidence in the strength of the Ascott brand, which has grown tremendously over the years and is now standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s leading hotel operators.
Ascott Sudirman is known as a “luxurious yet homey” serviced apartment. How do you ensure this balance is felt by your guests?
In Ascott Sudirman Jakarta, we believe that true luxury is not only about elegant spaces and premium facilities, but also about creating a sense of comfort and belonging. We ensure this balance by designing spacious, thoughtfully furnished apartments that feel like home, complemented by hotel-level services that anticipate our guests’ every need. Beyond this, we focus on bringing heartfelt experiences, from warm, personalised interactions to thoughtful touches that make every stay memorable. Our curated lifestyle offerings, such as Serambi Restaurant and The Loft Lounge & Bar, add sophistication, while our genuine hospitality creates home-like warmth. It is this unique combination of refinement and heart that not only delivers a luxurious yet homey experience, but also positions Ascott Sudirman Jakarta as the preferred choice for our guests.
The property is also proudly pet-friendly. What inspired this approach, and how do you cater to guests travelling with pets?
The decision to become a pet-friendly property was inspired by our commitment to creating a true home away from home for our guests. We recognise that for many, pets are beloved family members, and travelling without them can feel incomplete. By welcoming pets, we not only respond to the growing demand from modern travellers but also strengthen the sense of belonging that defines the Ascott Sudirman experience. To ensure both comfort and convenience, we provide dedicated pet-friendly apartments, thoughtful amenities, and a supportive environment where guests can enjoy their stay with peace of mind. We also implement clear pet policies to maintain harmony for all residents, requiring a pet and vaccine certificate, setting reasonable size and weight limits, and designating the access and separate floors for pet and non-pet apartments. These measures allow us to welcome pets warmly while ensuring the highest standards of safety, comfort, and consideration for every guest.
Art is a strong part of the property’s identity, with installations featuring works by Hendra Gunawan. Could you share more about the concept behind integrating art into the space?
Art is part of our brand pillars in shaping the identity and atmosphere of Ascott Sudirman Jakarta. We wanted the property to feel more than just a place to stay—it should inspire, engage, and connect with our guests on a deeper level. By integrating works from renowned artists like Hendra Gunawan, including the iconic Happy Family painting, we bring a sense of local culture, warmth, and storytelling into the space.
Talking about sustainability, Ascott Sudirman has received GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) certification. What does this recognition mean for the property, and what sustainable practices have been implemented that you feel make the biggest impact on both the environment and guest satisfaction?
Receiving GSTC certification is a significant milestone for Ascott Sudirman Jakarta, as it formally recognises our commitment to sustainable and responsible hospitality. This accreditation reflects our dedication to minimising environmental impact while ensuring that our guests enjoy a comfortable, modern, and conscientious stay. In practice, we have implemented a range of sustainable initiatives that make a real difference. These include energy-efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems, water-saving measures, waste reduction programs, and eco-friendly amenities throughout the property. We also focus on creating awareness among guests and staff about sustainability, encouraging responsible practices that enhance both environmental impact and the overall guest experience.
The property manages two distinct dining venues: Serambi Restaurant and The Loft Lounge & Bar. Could you tell us more about the concepts behind these outlets? Also, how do these restaurants complement the overall lifestyle experience that Ascott Sudirman aims to offer its residents and guests?
In Ascott Sudirman Jakarta, dining is more than just a meal—it’s an integral part of the lifestyle experience we offer our residents and guests. Our two distinct venues, Serambi Restaurant and The Loft Lounge & Bar, each embody a unique concept that complements this vision. Serambi celebrates the warmth and familiarity of Indonesian culture, drawing inspiration from the traditional concept of a ‘serambi’—a welcoming porch that brings people together. With wooden elements and the iconic Happy Family painting by Hendra Gunawan, the restaurant creates a cosy, inviting space where guests can enjoy authentic Indonesian flavours and feel a sense of belonging. In contrast, The Loft Lounge & Bar offers a modern, art-inspired Western lounge and bar experience. Designed as an open, stylish, and contemporary space, it encourages social interaction, relaxation, and creative inspiration—perfect for both residents and city guests seeking a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Together, these dining venues complement the overall lifestyle experience at Ascott Sudirman by providing spaces that balance comfort, culture, and sophistication.
What’s next for Ascott Sudirman Jakarta?
To be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences.
Ascott Sudirman Jakarta
- Instagram: @ascottsudirmanjkt
- Website: www.discoverasr.com