Whats New Indonesia Admin
Apr 23, 2025
Lintangsari Handayani is one of the esteemed female General Managers in the hospitality industry, bringing over 25 years of experience to her role at DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Bintaro Jaya. Her expertise in both commercial and operational aspects has shaped her leadership approach, emphasizing guest satisfaction, team development, and business growth. Now, as General Manager, she is dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences and fostering a dynamic, high-performing team.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Lintangsari Handayani for an exclusive interview, during which she shared insights into her journey in the hospitality industry, her leadership philosophy, and her vision for the hotel.
Exclusive Interview with Lintangsari Handayani, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Bintaro Jaya
Could you share your background in the hospitality industry with us?
I have been in the hospitality industry for over 25 years, starting my career in MICE sales before progressing into senior leadership roles such as Director of Sales and Marketing and later Director of Operations at Hilton Bali Resort. I managed 420 rooms and five outlets during my five-year tenure there, focusing on operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. There, I learned to handle multiple departments and teach leadership, strategic marketing, and different leadership styles. And because it is an international chain, I can say that career opportunities are wide open, allowing growth—even to the position of General Manager, thanks to strong international connections. These experiences have shaped my leadership approach and deepened my understanding of both commercial and operational aspects of the industry.
Today, as the General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Bintaro Jaya, I am committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences, fostering a strong team culture, and driving business success.
You've had a diverse career in the hospitality industry. Could you share the pivotal moments that shaped your career path?
One of the most defining moments in my career was transitioning from sales and marketing to operations management. Stepping into an operational leadership role at Hilton Bali Resort was both a challenge and a transformative experience, as it required me to oversee multiple departments beyond my original expertise. This shift pushed me to not only master hotel operations but also develop strategic thinking, decision-making, and people management skills—all of which became invaluable as I progressed into senior leadership. Another pivotal moment was being entrusted with large-scale projects and hotel openings, which strengthened my ability to navigate challenges, drive success, and lead with agility.
What motivated you to pursue a career in hospitality management?
During my college years, I decided to pursue a career path that would allow me to work quickly in Bali. I saw how the hospitality industry in Bali operated, but at that time, I didn’t fully understand it yet.
Hospitality is a people-driven industry, and that’s what excites me the most. From my early days in MICE sales, I was drawn to the dynamic nature of this industry, where no two days are the same. I love the challenge of creating seamless guest experiences, leading teams, and constantly innovating to exceed expectations. Moreover, mentoring and developing future leaders is something I am deeply passionate about, as I believe strong leadership is key to long-term success in hospitality.
Could you share the best features of DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Bintaro Jaya?
DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Bintaro Jaya is where seamless comfort meets thoughtful hospitality. Strategically connected to BXChange Mall 2, DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Bintaro Jaya is a leading 5-star international chain hotel in the Bintaro area.
Our hotel offers effortless access to family-friendly attractions, including an oceanarium and ice skating rink. Just 35 minutes from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, we provide a prime location for both leisure travelers and business. It is ideal for business, because we feature a ballroom, boardrooms, and meeting rooms.
Beyond location, our hotel delivers a warm and welcoming experience, starting with our signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie at check-in. Guests can indulge in diverse culinary offerings at OPEN} Restaurant and THE KOFFEE, unwind in our outdoor infinity pool, or host seamless events and weddings in our modern meeting spaces. We take pride in offering intuitive service, contemporary design, and a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that every stay is both comfortable and memorable.
As a General Manager, leadership plays a crucial role. How would you describe your leadership style?
I practice collaborative and empowering leadership—one that values teamwork, trust, and continuous learning. I believe in developing people by giving them opportunities to grow, while also ensuring that we stay agile and results-driven. With trust and teamwork, the team will naturally contribute ideas with proper guidance. I truly enjoy developing my team. As a female General Manager, I am proud to be an Indonesian Female General Manager within the Hilton Group in Indonesia.
I am also a strong advocate for diversity in leadership, which is why I actively support initiatives that promote career advancement for women in hospitality.
Who is your hotel's primary target audience—business travelers, leisure guests, or a mix of both—and how do you tailor your services to meet their needs?
We cater to a diverse mix of guests. Business travelers appreciate our strategic location, 24/7 fitness center, well-equipped meeting spaces, and seamless connectivity. Leisure guests and families enjoy our recreational facilities, including our outdoor infinity pool and family-friendly accommodations. We also specialize in weddings and social events, offering a stunning Grand MapleTree Ballroom and WattleTree with an outdoor terrace. Our goal is to personalize each guest’s experience, ensuring comfort, convenience, and memorable moments.
With your extensive experience, what advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build a career in hospitality management?
First, define your goals early—know what you want and what kind of leader you aspire to be.
Second, stay curious and proactive—hospitality is a fast-paced industry that requires adaptability and a willingness to learn.
Third, never underestimate the power of teamwork—leadership is not about doing everything yourself but about bringing out the best in your team.
Lastly, embrace challenges as growth opportunities—every experience, whether good or bad, helps shape you into a better leader. We must understand that life is not always beautiful; there will be challenges, ups, and downs. However, trust that every situation we face will ultimately be valuable for us.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a female General Manager in the hospitality industry, and how do you navigate them while driving success for your hotel?
The hospitality industry is still evolving in terms of female leadership representation, especially at the General Manager level. Rather than viewing this as a challenge, I see it as an opportunity to lead by example and pave the way for future women leaders. I focus on building credibility through results, ensuring that my leadership is defined by performance, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire teams.
People see others by their accomplishments, and we demonstrate our worth through results. Prove it with the results first—to both the owner and management. Whether male or female, we must prove ourselves. The result is the key.
Being a part of Hilton’s Women Team Member Resource Group has also allowed me to connect with and mentor other aspiring female leaders, reinforcing the importance of diversity and inclusion in our industry.
Maintaining work-life balance can be challenging in your role. How do you relieve stress after a busy day or week?
I believe work-life balance is about quality, not quantity. Just a cup of coffee and a good book—nothing more, nothing less. Just leave me be. I enjoy reading mystery novels and psychology books, as they help me unwind while keeping my mind engaged. Spending time with my 17-year-old daughter is also incredibly important to me—it reminds me of what truly matters and helps me recharge. Additionally, I make sure to set boundaries and prioritize effectively, so I can give my best both at work and at home.
What's the future plan for DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Bintaro Jaya?
Our focus is on positioning DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta Bintaro Jaya as the preferred hotel for business, leisure, and special events. We aim to strengthen our reputation as a top-tier wedding and MICE destination, offering exceptional event facilities and tailored services.
I want to make this hotel and the entire team the best hotel in the area—not just in terms of performance but also in the eyes of the community, so that when people look for the best hotel, they think of us.
We strive to provide the best guest satisfaction. Our goal is to make this hotel the perfect choice for all markets, including business, family, weddings, events, and leisure.
Sustainability and community engagement are also key priorities, as we continue to align with Hilton’s Travel with Purpose initiatives. With a dedicated team and a clear vision, we are excited to build a strong presence in Jakarta’s hospitality scene.
