Marking his fifth year managing THE 101 Jakarta Sedayu Darmawangsa Hotel Jakarta, Garna and his team have consistently maintained their position as the leading hotel in South Jakarta. As years pass by, the hotel, located in the prominent area of Darmawangsa, continues to provide excellent services for domestic and international guests, with high weekday occupancy from meeting and function guests, while on weekends from family staycations.
Garna has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. A bachelor degree graduate in International Hotel Management from the Institute of Lucerne, Switzerland, he majored in the hotel and international tourism management program. During his study, he also worked in several international hotel chains and restaurants in Zurich, Switzerland. Following a career path from food & beverage to housekeeping, he returned to Jakarta as Housekeeping Supervisor for the Hotel Mulia Senayan Jakarta before moving to Director of Housekeeping at The Ritz Carlton Hotel Jakarta Mega Kuningan. Garna also explored other divisions within the hospitality industry when he joined pre-opening hotels as Executive Housekeeper and Front Office Manager at The Trans Luxury Hotel Bandung. Preceding his current assignment with THE 101 Darmawangsa, he worked for the Louvre Hotels Group as Director of Rooms for pre-opening of the Royal Tulip Bandung, as Executive Assistant Manager for pre-opening at the Golden Tulip Jineng Resort, Bali and as General Manager at Golden Tulip Pontianak, West Kalimantan.
A family man, a husband and father of three beautiful daughters, Garna is also active in the Indonesian Hotel General Manager Association (IHGMA) Jakarta chapter, where he served as chairman in 2021 – 2022, replacing Wita Yacob who was promoted to vice chairman IHGMA National, and will now continue in the position until 2026. As chairman, Garna oversees the coordination of 1080 Indonesian General Managers members across the archipelago. “As General Managers, we are already at the top position in management. It is time for us to give back to the community and others,” he says. The IHGMA Jakarta chapter also contributes to programs like supporting training skills and the development of human resources, GM cross-training, pursuing a master’s degree or higher education, job-training opportunities for students of SMK, Poltekpar, and taking part as guest lecturers in tourism schools or institutions. “Even during the pandemic situation, IHGMA Jakarta chapter has become more solid through online sessions and can contribute more programs”, he explains. “We hold monthly meetings and quarterly gatherings, CSR programs which have resulted in the accreditation of Kepulauan Seribu Thousand Islands as one of the top five destinations of the Desa Wisata Tourism Village by consistently supporting and donating linens and towels to communities who rely on tourism as their livelihood,” he adds. “Our next program is to support further development of the Setu Babakan Betawi Village, preserving the traditional Jakarta heritage, culture, and community,” he also notes.
THE 101 Jakarta Sedayu Darmawangsa is conveniently located in the prominent residence and entertainment area of South Jakarta. The hotel provides business and leisure guests with easy access to the CBD and is attached to the prestigious boutique shopping center called THE Darmawangsa Square. The location is also a magnet for entertainment and lifestyle experiences, and a residential area of expats from Europe, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The hotel’s 150 rooms and a food and beverage outlet named Tosca, offer a wide selection of menus that include Indonesian, Asian, and international cuisines. Thematic culinary festivals are often held to fulfill guests needs to savor delicious food from all over the world. Among the most anticipated programs are the annual THE 101 Pasar Senggol during the month of Ramadan, and THE 101 Music Concerts every two years. In previous years, they have successfully presented Java Jive Nostalgia, a Tribute to The Rolling Stones, and Daniel Sahuleka music concerts. Post pandemic COVID-19, Garna believes “In 2022, we are optimistic of maintaining our position as top leading hotel in South Jakarta, despite new hotels in the area. With a priority for cleanliness, we are committed to delivering optimum services as we welcome our loyal guests.”
