A seasoned hotelier and General Manager with extensive experience in various international chain hotels, German-native Andreas Kahl has been with Mangkuluhur ARTOTEL Suites since August 2024. Here, he shares his experience of the dynamism of the hospitality and tourism industry gained from working across the Indonesian archipelago.
I How do you adapt to life and business in different parts of Indonesia?
A Indonesia is an incredibly diverse country, and I’ve been fortunate to serve as General Manager in four distinctly different regions. I truly enjoyed living in Bandung—the old-town charm in Braga, the stunning mountain landscapes on the weekends, and of course, the vibrant street food scene. Then came the opportunity to lead a beachfront resort in South Lombok, right next to the Mandalika Circuit. After that, I moved to bustling Seminyak in Bali, and now, I’m based in the heart of Jakarta.
Each location could not be more different in terms of lifestyle and business culture. I believe the key to adapting is connecting with the people—understanding how they think and how they are accustomed to doing things. Interestingly, the first word I learned in Bahasa Indonesia was sabar (patience), and I believe that captures the essence of adapting to life here. Being patient, going with the flow, and making an effort to understand the local way of living and doing business is essential to succeed and thrive in any part of Indonesia.
I How do you see the transformation of Indonesia’s tourism industry? What are the advantages and challenges?
A While Bali is internationally renowned and continues to attract travelers from all over the world, there are so many other breathtaking destinations that are equally, if not more, captivating—just not yet globally recognized.
The main challenge for many of these destinations lies in their accessibility, particularly limited international flight connectivity. However, I believe that with gradual development and targeted promotion, these areas can attract more international visitors. It is crucial, though, that this growth is balanced with a strong commitment to sustainability. This would, for example, avoid the challenges Bali is currently facing, especially regarding waste management and traffic congestion.
Jakarta presents a different opportunity. The capital has immense potential to host more international events, conferences, and concerts. I hope to see increased efforts in this area, which would significantly boost hotel occupancy and position Jakarta more prominently on the international stage.
I Please share more about your current role, and how it differs from working with international hotel chains.
A My current role as General Manager at Mangkuluhur ARTOTEL Suites Jakarta is particularly exciting for several reasons. The hotel is a five-star flagship property in a prime location and is currently undergoing a comprehensive transformation. In 2024, we completed renovations on several guestroom floors and plan to continue with the remaining ones soon. Our All-Day-Dining restaurant, Beranda, and the ground floor club Boca were both revamped last year, and the Semanggi Bar & Lounge also recently received a conceptual and atmospheric refresh. Plus, there’s much more to come—we have many exciting projects in the pipeline.
Having spent most of my career with international hotel chains, transitioning to the ARTOTEL Group has been both a significant shift and a rewarding new challenge. The company is growing rapidly, the team energy is dynamic, and being the only expatriate in the organization adds a unique dimension to my experience. What I especially appreciate is the relatively flat hierarchy and the ability to make decisions quickly, which allows for real impact and involvement in shaping the future of a fast-evolving brand.
I What do you like most about Indonesia?
A There’s so much to love about Indonesia. First and foremost, the tropical climate—I truly appreciate the absence of winter, especially coming from Europe. Beyond the weather, the country offers incredible diversity in terms of entertainment, dining, and recreational opportunities.
During my time in Bandung, I fell in love with martabak manis and bakmi. In Lombok, I enjoyed the tranquillity of the beaches and the ocean, with daily swims and the occasional dive. The people here are genuinely warm, friendly, and have a naturally positive outlook on life. In my opinion, Indonesia has something for everyone—whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or an adventure seeker. There are countless reasons why I love living and working in this amazing country.
I What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
A Weekends are dedicated to spending quality time with my family, and we usually try to engage in activities we can enjoy together—sometimes even traveling out of town. I find it important to occasionally create some physical distance from work to really reset and clear my mind.
I have a strong passion for travel and love discovering new places or revisiting familiar ones. I also enjoy scuba diving when the opportunity arises and try to go skiing back in Europe whenever possible. Staying connected with friends and family across the globe is another priority that keeps me grounded and energized.
I What are your life or professional goals?
A So far in my career, I’ve never stayed in the same location for more than two years. I thrive on new challenges and continuously seek ways to improve processes and question the status quo. It’s deeply rewarding to witness the positive impact of my work—on both the hotel’s performance and the development of its team.
My ambition has always been to leave every property in a better state than I found it— whether in terms of guest satisfaction, team engagement, revenue, or overall condition. In the near future, my focus remains on working closely with my team to further elevate the guest experience and facilities at Mangkuluhur ARTOTEL Suites Jakarta. There are still many projects and ideas I’m eager to bring to life.
