Alan Muhammad Yuslan has been appointed as the General Manager of the newly opened Hotel Tentrem Jakarta. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Alan has built a strong reputation for excellence in the industry. Prior to his current role, he served with Marriott International, managing the Marriott Executive Apartment in Jakarta, focusing on long-stay accommodations. He has also held leadership positions at Rooms Inc Hotel Semarang under Sinar Mas Land, Dewa Phuket Resort and Villas in Thailand, Melia Makassar, and prestigious properties in Bali, including Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran and W Bali - Seminyak.
Profile of the Month: Alan Muhammad Yuslan, General Manager of Hotel Tentrem Jakarta
What motivated you to pursue a career in hotel management?
My passion for hospitality began as early as my childhood, when I found joy in being in hotels. By junior high school, I had a clear vision of pursuing a career in the hotel industry, which led me to study at SMK57 and later at Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata (STP) Bandung. I have always been driven by the desire to make everyone happy, and that’s what hospitality is all about.
Can you describe the standout points of Hotel Tentrem Jakarta that distinguish it from other luxury hotels in the city?
What sets Hotel Tentrem Jakarta apart from other five-star hotels is our strong emphasis on Indonesian cultural heritage. Every corner of the hotel is imbued with this essence, from the many artworks created by Indonesian artists to the modern Javanese culture that guests experience the moment they arrive, from the drop-off area to the lobby. We proudly feature intricate carvings brought directly from Jepara and numerous artworks that beautifully narrate the story of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
From F&B side, one of the thing that makes us unique is our breakfast selections, where we feature selections from local UMKM (SMEs) businesses from Yogyakarta, Semarang, Jakarta, and Tangerang. It’s a way for our guests to enjoy real, authentic Indonesian flavours while also supporting local communities. At the end of the day, we’re not just a hotel, we’re a destination for those looking to connect with Indonesian culture in a modern and comfortable setting.
Why is the hotel named "Hotel Tentrem Jakarta" when it is actually located in Alam Sutera?
Hotel Tentrem Jakarta chose Alam Sutera as its location because we believe it offers the perfect balance between the bustling energy of Jakarta, with its government, business, and entertainment hubs, and the serenity of a more peaceful environment. This area is home to many residential communities and serves as a supporting city to Greater Jakarta, allowing our guests to experience tranquility while remaining within easy reach of the city's center. We blend that traditional heritage with contemporary luxury to cater to the city's fast-paced lifestyle.
How does Hotel Tentrem Jakarta differentiate itself from its sister hotels in Yogyakarta and Semarang?
One of the key features of Hotel Tentrem Jakarta is our focus on modern Javanese interior design. From a design perspective, we emphasize a contemporary interpretation of Javanese culture. While our sister properties—Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta and Hotel Tentrem Semarang—are deeply rooted in Yogyakarta and coastal Javanese culture respectively, Hotel Tentrem Jakarta showcases a more modern Javanese aesthetic, offering a unique and sophisticated experience for our guests.
How does Hotel Tentrem Jakarta incorporate Jakarta's culture and heritage into its offerings and ambiance?
Our commitment to modern Javanese culture is reflected not only in our design but also in our service. We incorporate traditional Javanese greetings such as 'Sugeng Rawuh,' 'Sugeng Enjang,' 'Sugeng Siang,' 'Sugeng Dalu,' and 'Matur Suwun' into our daily interactions, proudly showcasing our cultural roots. Indonesian hospitality is truly unmatched, and we strive to embody this in every guest interaction. Additionally, our interior design, featuring the three key elements of wood, plants, and stone, represents the natural beauty of our location in Alam Sutera, creating a harmonious connection with the environment.
We also offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing guests to experience the warmth of Indonesian hospitality in a serene setting. This approach creates a unique blend of modern luxury and Indonesia’s vibrant heritage.
What facilities does Hotel Tentrem Jakarta offer to cater to the needs and preferences of discerning guests?
While Hotel Tentrem Jakarta may not appear large from the outside, our facilities are remarkably comprehensive. First, Hotel Tentrem Jakarta offers an array of facilities designed to cater to every guest’s needs, with 200 rooms ranging from Deluxe to Presidential Suites, ensuring a complete experience for all. Beyond just a place to stay, we provide a well-rounded offering of wellness and dining options that elevate the entire guest experience.
Second, we offer four distinct dining experiences: Kayu Manis Restaurant for Indonesian cuisine, Populico for Western dishes, Lin for Chinese specialties, and Canella for Italian fare. For a more relaxed experience, our Tirta Lounge allows guests to enjoy traditional herbal drinks, artisan teas, and Indonesian coffee.
On the lifestyle side, we have Gaharu Wellness where guests can truly unwind with indulgent spa treatments, reflexology sessions, or maintain their fitness routine in our state-of-the-art gym. They are Gaharu Lifestyle gym and Gaharu Spa, as well as a dedicated Reflexology area. For families, we provide the Aruna Kids Club and, of course, a swimming pool. For meetings and social activities, we offer 11 meeting rooms and a grand 1,000 m² ballroom. Additionally, our iconic Amarta room on the 6th floor of Amarta Plaza, adorned with intricate carvings, serves as a versatile space for meetings, social events, birthdays, and cultural gatherings. The pre-function ballroom is adorned with 3D artwork by local artist, Jemana Murti, and the cultural influence continues throughout the hotel, with art pieces from Byo Living near the meeting room stairs and paintings by local artists decorating our rooms and public spaces.
Our goal is for every guest to leave with a deep sense of zen and serenity, feeling fully relaxed and rejuvenated, with the calmness of their stay lingering long after they've departed.
Having managed the hotel from the pre-opening phase until its official opening, can you describe a significant challenge you faced during this period and how you addressed it?
One of the key challenges we faced was infusing Javanese culture into our team, especially since our associates come from diverse backgrounds—some from Java, others from places like Medan, Padang, and Lampung, with experiences ranging from independent outlets to five-star international chains. Injecting the DNA of a peaceful Javanese culture was no small task, but I believe we’ve succeeded. Guests often wonder if our employees were all brought from Yogyakarta or Semarang, as even team members from Medan now speak Javanese fluently. This daily commitment to culture has become ingrained in the company itself.
What advice would you give to aspiring young hoteliers who are looking to build a successful career in the hospitality industry?
I always advise students or anyone considering a career in hospitality to first ask themselves if they truly have a passion for serving. Hospitality requires a genuine passion, as guests come with a wide range of desires and expectations. If you lack the commitment or passion from within, it’s better not to jump into this industry. However, if you do have that passion, it will carry you from the start of your career to the highest position. Whether you’ve been in the industry for one year or twenty, that passion must always be there. Hospitality isn’t for everyone, so it’s important to ask yourself if this is truly the path you want to take.
Could you share some of your hobbies or interests that you enjoy during your free time?
Until 2017, I enjoyed watching movies, exploring culinary delights, and attending concerts. However, in 2017, I discovered a new passion—running. What began as a hobby quickly became a necessity. I started participating in races, and by 2022, I was running marathons both in other cities and abroad. For me, running is no longer just a hobby; it’s a vital part of my routine. In fact, before interviews or important events, I often run to prepare and energize myself. Running has truly become one of my essential daily activities.
Could you share a fascinating story from one of your marathon runs?
During the New York Virgin Marathon, running 42 kilometers was quite a challenge. What left a lasting impression on me was the moment when I felt like stopping, but on both my left and right were people much older than me, still pushing forward with unwavering determination. Their spirit motivated me to keep going. Crossing the finish line alongside them filled me with pride and emotion. Looking ahead, I have yet to conquer the Chicago Marathon this October—another 42 kilometers. I hope to finish, despite the unpredictable Chicago weather, which could be hot, cloudy, rainy, or even muddy.
Last question, what are your vision and long-term plans for the future of Hotel Tentrem Jakarta?
Our vision and mission for Hotel Tentrem Jakarta is to be recognized as a hotel that proudly celebrates Indonesian culture. We want domestic tourists to feel proud of Hotel Tentrem Jakarta and for international tourists to visit specifically to experience the richness of Indonesian culture, which we showcase throughout the hotel. Much like other renowned hotel brands that deeply honour their cultural heritage, we aspire for guests to feel the essence of true Indonesian hospitality from the moment they step into our property.
