Indosat, Google Cloud introduce AI-driven smart search in Indonesia

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat) has launched an AI-powered semantic search feature for the apps developed for its myIM3 and bima+ brands. Developed in collaboration with Google Cloud, the technology enables searches with greater relevance, personalisation, and efficiency as searches are done through understanding the question rather than just looking for keywords. 

Source: Indosat. A mobile phone showing the myIM3 app.

This capability helps Google Cloud's Vertex AI platform to gain deep insights into customer behaviour and preferences. As a result, searches for services such as data packages, lifestyle features, and loyalty programmes like IMPoin and BonsTri can be dynamically tailored to meet each user's specific needs.

Bilal Kazmi, Director & Chief Commercial Officer Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, said: “With the support of Google Cloud, we are delivering a search system that is not only intelligent but also delivers tangible value, enhancing both user convenience and business performances. This collaboration represents a strategic step towards providing smarter, more personalised, and relevant digital experiences for our customers. 

"At Indosat, we are committed to ensuring that technology makes life easier, brings services closer, and serves as a powerful tool to empower Indonesia in navigating the digital era."

Fanly Tanto, Country Director, Indonesia, Google Cloud, stated: “As an industry-leading organisation in Google Cloud’s Indonesia BerdAIa programme, Indosat has been at the forefront of innovating with advanced, enterprise AI. Vertex AI Search’s in-built understanding of queries in Bahasa and English, the semantic meaning behind queries, and spelling variations will help surface more relevant digital services recommendations that meet the diverse lifestyle needs of millions of myIM3 and bima+ users. 

"This deployment demonstrates how the unique combination of Google Cloud's open platforms and Google-quality search can be seamlessly integrated with an enterprise’s custom-built AI models and existing applications, enabling smarter and more personalised digital experiences for its customers.”  

According to McKinsey’s research in the future of personalisation, 71% of consumers expect personalized interactions from brands. AI-driven personalisation also improves operational efficiency. As part of this launch, Indosat is introducing an interactive campaign, 30 Days of Treasure Hunt, running from August 21 to September 19, 2025. Through AI-powered search gamification, customers are encouraged to search for specific keywords or queries on the official Instagram accounts of IM3 @indosatim3 and Tri @triindonesia, and then access them via the search bar in the myIM3 or bima+ applications.

The most active users each day will have the opportunity to win a variety of e-vouchers, with a total prize pool of up to IDR5.5 M. To participate, customers can download the myIM3 app at https://myim3.co/getnow and the bima+ app at https://bima-3.co/getnow 

In addition, the semantic search technology is further supported by Sahabat-AI, an open-source large language model (LLM) specifically designed for the Indonesian language. Sahabat-AI is built to understand local contexts, including support for various regional languages and dialects, making customer interactions more engaging, relevant, and meaningful across Indonesia.

Erajaya Digital, bolttech launch new device protection programme

Erajaya Digital, a business vertical of Erajaya Group, one of Indonesia’s leading digital and lifestyle device retailers, has officially launched a new device protection programme. This service goes beyond physical device repair and protection by introducing an added layer of cyberprotection that notifies customers if there is an attempt to use their personal data. 

The service, presented through a collaboration with bolttech, a provider of embedded protection solutions, combines fast, reliable repair services with essential digital security in a convenient and affordable package. It can also alert customers of any attempts to misuse their personal data. 

“We’ve seen how customer needs have evolved. They’re not only looking to protect their devices physically, but also want peace of mind when navigating the digital world. That’s why we’re launching this value-add service with bolttech,” said Joy Wahjudi, CEO, Erajaya Digital.

This service offers: 

- Protection from physical damage, such as drops, screen cracks, and liquid exposure 

- Fast, guaranteed repairs by certified technicians 

- Cyberprotection features, including personal data leak monitoring and real-time alerts on unauthorised data use.

“We’re proud to partner with Erajaya Digital to bring this next-generation protection service to customers, combining device care and digital safety into one seamless solution,” said Andrew Cons, GM – Indonesia, bolttech.

Details

The service is now available at Erajaya Digital’s retail stores, including erafone, Xiaomi by erafone, and Huawei by erafone. For more information, visit the nearest participating store.

Luxury hotel opens in Nuanu Creative City, Bali

Oshom Bali, a boutique hotel in Nuanu Creative City, has officially opened. Located on a black sand beach in Pantai Nyanyi, Tabanan regency, the hotel is near Tanah Lot temple (10 minutes), dining and shopping at Pererenan and Canggu (15-20 minutes), and artistic Ubud (50 minutes)

"Oshom is a future-forward arts-meets-hospitality concept that offers a barefoot luxury vibe, while creating space for effortless creativity, mindfulness, and sparkly moments," said Daisy Angus, Visionary Founder & Creator of Oshom. 

"We’ve created a holistic lifestyle resort for the soul. With expansive horizons, guests can completely unwind and relax in moments of curated indulgence and beauty; Oshom is a space where meaningful connections are found and remembered." 

The 18-key retreat enjoys direct beach access, with 11 ocean suites and 7 treehouse hideaways. The former overlook the Indian Ocean, whilst the hideaways are in a mangrove forest on the river. The Artist’s Suite hosts an indoor-outdoor bar, private meditation dome, and tropical outdoor shower, while the Indigo Dreams Suite has a jacuzzi, an alfresco massage room, a spa-inspired bathroom, and a private terrace.

Gatherings can be held at the 65-seat cliffside restaurant-lounge. A weekly rotating menu celebrates seasonal ingredients and the day's catch. Guests can also unwind or work at the 24-hour Library.

Breathable, non-toxic materials, rewilded native flora, and elevated walkways are part of Oshom’s approach to preserving the ecosystem. Hand-drawn furniture, reclaimed teakwood, and volcanic sand walls create a rich, textured aesthetic. Bamboo “nests” by architect Pablo Luna provide spaces for a quiet retreat. The saltwater pool, lined with local Sukabumi stone, matches the handmade lava tiles decorating the pool bar. Bespoke artwork from Balinese artists transforms the interiors - while disco balls can be found in the walk-in wardrobes. 

Oshom is part of a visionary 44-hectare creative city, Nuanu, dedicated to art, culture, and conscious living. Guests have access to transformative experiences, from the Lumiere Wellness Complex to Luna Beach Club, and Bali's first multimedia park. Seventy percent of its land is dedicated as green space. 

Source: OShom. Ocean views by the pool.

Oshom Bali is now welcoming reservations for its accommodations, dining experiences, and programming. The opening offer includes:

-  Daily a la carte breakfast

- Daily afternoon tea service from 4-5 PM at the oceanfront restaurant

- A signature sunset cocktail per guest

- Daily wellness and cultural experiences at Oshom

- A guided Nuanu Creative City Tour

- Unlimited access to the Luna Beach Club throughout the stay 

For more information or to book a stay, visit https://m.oshombali.com/home

Exquisite evenings with Shane Osborn at The St Regis Bali Resort

January 2025 marks a season of exceptional dining at Kayuputi, The St. Regis Bali Resort's premier beachfront destination. Guests are invited to indulge in two unforgettable evenings celebrating global culinary innovation.

The event features the visionary creations of Chef Shane Osborn, the first Australian chef to earn two Michelin stars and a star on Netflix's The Final Table in 2018. Chef Osborn, chef-owner of The Arcane Collective, Hong Kong, will serve a six-course dinner in Kayuputi’s elegant beachfront dining room.

Dates: 31 January or 1 February 2025
Time: 6 pm onwards
IDR1,850,000 net per person (food only) 

For reservations, email stregisbar.bali@stregis.com or call +62 361 8478 111.

Mövenpick debuts in Jakarta

Source: Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. The Mövenpick Hotel Jakarta City Centre, located in the heart of Jakarta.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has opened its first property in Jakarta, the Mövenpick Hotel Jakarta City Centre.

Guests enjoy immediate access to prominent landmarks, including the Merdeka Presidential Palace, the National Monument, key business districts, government offices, diplomatic missions, and the historic area of Kota Tua.

“The opening of Mövenpick Hotel Jakarta City Centre marks a significant milestone for Accor, highlighting our continued expansion in Indonesia. We are committed to advancing the country's tourism sector while delivering exceptional experiences for travellers from around the world. 

"The hotel will enhance the city's culinary scene with its outstanding dining venues and become a top lifestyle destination, seamlessly blending the brand's Swiss heritage with exceptional hospitality,” said Garth Simmons, COO of Accor's Premium, Midscale and Economy Division in Asia.

The Mövenpick Hotel Jakarta City Centre features 256 guest rooms and suites, including Presidential Suites, and is set to become a destination for food enthusiasts. The Ginger Flower restaurant showcases specialties from Java, South Sulawesi, and Sumatra; Wilde Cut Grill & Wine serves premium steak cuts, prepared in a classic style, and the 717 Creamery Dessert Bar offers handcrafted delights. The dessert bar will host a cherished Mövenpick tradition, Chocolate Hour. Guests can indulge in an array of complimentary gourmet chocolate creations during this time. 

Meanwhile, Supremo Specialty Coffee & Roastery offers expertly-brewed Indonesian coffee, and La Floriane Bistro presents European cuisine. There is also a Chinese restaurant, Song Xiang Lou, which specialises in authentic Cantonese dishes.

As a premier MICE destination, Mövenpick Hotel Jakarta City Centre offers two contemporary ballrooms and 15 versatile meeting rooms, all equipped with interactive display TVs, digital displays, electronic whiteboards, and videoconferencing capabilities. Eldoris Pool and Bar and Clemente Pavilion, located on the 6th floor, provide further spaces with terraces overlooking the pool and cityscape.

In line with Accor's commitment to sustainability, Mövenpick Hotel Jakarta City Centre has implemented green initiatives. The hotel is committed to eliminating single-use plastics to reduce environmental impact and utilises solar panels to harness renewable energy. The hotel also provides specialised setups and services to accommodate guests with disabilities.

Guests can benefit from Accor's lifestyle loyalty programme, ALL - Accor Live Limitless, throughout their stay or dining experience. Enrolling in ALL is easy and free of charge.

Details

Make enquiries or reservations at https://all.accor.com/hotel/C0Q3/index.en.shtml

Join ALL at www.all.com

New menu at The Beach Grill, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali

The Beach Grill, a beachfront restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, has launched new dishes to elevate the beachfront dining experience for guests. 

The Beach Grill is where premium meats, fresh seafood, and local flavours come together. The new menu incorporates fresh, locally-sourced vegetables, herbs, and spices to enhance the flavor and authenticity of each dish. 

The restaurant uses the JOSPER Grill Oven, renowned for imparting a smoky elegance to high-quality meats and premium-grade seafood. All the grilled items will be served with classic or innovative sauces to enhance the dishes.

Menu highlights include scallops and lobster linguine, complementing more traditional offerings like Angus or Wagyu steaks. Vegetarian options include the Bedugul organic mesclun salad and mushroom risotto.

Source: The Beach Grill. Rack of lamb.

The location yields panoramic views of Sawangan Beach and features tables for couples, a lawn, a pavilion area with sofas, cocktails, and a separate bar.

"We are excited to introduce our new menu which reflects our commitment - strive to serve the exceptional quality of our dishes to create an extraordinary dining to our guests. The team which is led by Chef I Gede Angga Suarthama or Chef Angga, Chef De Cuisine of The Beach Grill, has worked tirelessly to source the best ingredients and create amazing dishes that also celebrate local Bali resources," said Chef Raymond Siek, Director of Culinary at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali.  

"The Beach Grill offers a relaxed dining experience where guests can savour fresh, succulent grills and premium seafood while enjoying soft breezes from the Indian Ocean. Our talented culinary team has crafted a sumptuous selection that blends local flavors with innovative techniques," said Go Kondo, GM of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali.

Marriott Bonvoy points can be earned or redeemed at dining outlets of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. 

Details

 The Beach Grill

• Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan Lot III
• Sawangan, Nusa Dua, Bali
• Indonesia 80361

The Beach Grill opens daily, from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm for lunch and dinner. 

Make reservations at https://www.thebeachgrillbali.com, or email rc.dpssw.restaurant.reservation@ritzcarlton.com.

Elite Havens introduces three new properties in Bali

Source: Elite Havens. Elite Havens adds three villas to their Bali Collection.

Elite Havens, Asia's luxury villa rental and management company, has added three properties to their Bali portfolio:

Sol Y Mar - Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

Located on Nunggalan Beach, Sol y Mar is a four-bedroom villa with a private pool.  

Villa Dhanika - Badung, Bali, Indonesia 

Villa Dhanika is set in Balinese rice fields. This five-bedroom sanctuary features an Olympic-size swimming pool and an outdoor jacuzzi. Pantai Batu Bolong is just steps away.  

Villa Bie - Badung, Bali, Indonesia 

Located within the Six Senses Residence in Uluwatu, Villa Bie is a seven-bedroom contemporary villa. Fully managed and recently completed, Villa Bie features a gym, spa, and karaoke room. Spread across multiple levels, there are spacious living and dining areas, a private pool, and ocean views. Ample parking is available.

"These three new additions to our Bali collection exemplify the beauty and luxury that Elite Havens is known for," said Vitalis Alexander, GM of Elite Havens Indonesia. 

"Each villa offers a unique experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Bali. We are thrilled to welcome Sol Y Mar, Villa Dhanika, and Villa Bie to our portfolio and look forward to providing our guests with unforgettable memories." 

Hashtags:  #luxuryvillas, #luxurytravel, #balivilla

AC Ventures: Investing in women-led business in Indonesia is worth US$421 B

Source: AC Ventures. Wong speaks at the Women’s CEO Forum.

Early-stage venture capital firm AC Ventures’ Managing Partner Helen Wong has called for actionable steps in supporting female investors, calling investment in Indonesia’s female founders an annual opportunity worth more than US$421 B.

Wong was speaking at the Women’s CEO Forum in Jakarta, an official sideline event of the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit (ABIS) 2023. Indonesia represents around 40% of ASEAN’s economy at large, and hosts over 64 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), representing 98% of all businesses in the nation. According to AC Ventures, more than half of these are estimated to be women-owned.

"In a market as vibrant as Indonesia's, women entrepreneurs are not just fulfilling a social role; they are key economic drivers. Our research indicates that investing in women-led businesses is not just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do," said Wong.

"Given that these businesses contribute significantly to the local economy – and keep it resilient during times of crisis such as the pandemic – we're looking at an untapped yearly opportunity worth hundreds of billions of dollars. As such, we need more female investors who understand this and are willing to take concerted action to back more female founders."

Wong added that AC Ventures has learned that diversity is a business imperative. "A balanced team brings diverse perspectives, leading to smarter investment decisions and more robust portfolio performance,” she said.

AC Ventures has a 50:50 gender-balanced team and 41% female leadership across its investment portfolio, reflecting its core ethos of promoting an equitable business environment for a better future in Indonesia.

OXO Living introduces real estate concierge service in Bali

Bali's boutique property developer and management services provider, OXO Living, has launched Asia's inaugural real estate concierge service. Designed as the perfect companion for those looking to purchase*, sell, rent or develop exceptional designer homes in Bali's most desirable addresses, OXO Living's Real Estate Concierge provides clients with expert assistance, time-saving and risk-reducing solutions as well as the key to personalised services for all things real estate in Indonesia.

According to OXO Living, traditional property agents end their services when the purchasing process is completed, whereas their Real Estate Concierge does not. Each property in OXO Living's portfolio meets the team's stringent standards in architecture, interior design, engineering and construction in alignment with OXO Living's brand ethos of Effortless Living. The real estate opportunities presented to clients are chosen to match their lifestyle and investment objectives, the company said.

Property rental and transactions in Bali are known to be a challenging undertaking since most publicly available information tends to be outdated or unreliable. Through close-knit relationships forged with homeowners and partners over the years, complemented by OXO Living's expert market knowledge, the Real Estate Concierge will relieve clients from complex, time-consuming struggles that come with navigating Bali's property landscape, OXO Living said. In addition, the team provides access to the island's off-market properties.

Aside from off-market rental options, the concierge also allows for the short and long-term rental of OXO portfolio in Bali. These include luxury jungle residences in Buwit, Tabanan, family lofts with scenic views in Canggu plus townhouses and studio units in Berawa. A local OXO Rental Manager is available to facilitate move-in, transport, travel and international owners' visa arrangements.

OXO Living also offers the expertise and resources to style, renovate and extend homes to match their owners' lifestyle needs and taste.

“With this innovative Real Estate Concierge service, we can provide buyers and sellers the best of both worlds,” said Johannes Weissenbaeck, founder and CEO of OXO Living.

“The buyer benefits from exclusive access and deep understanding of Bali's luxury property market, while the seller can leverage on our discreet and professional concierge service in ensuring that the architectural significance of his home remains well-appreciated by its next owner.”

“There are only very few things that money cannot buy – health and time. Just like how you can entrust your health to the very best medical specialists, you can also save precious time by entrusting OXO Real Estate Concierge for all things real estate here in Indonesia,” said OXO Living partner Michael Luible.

*There are various regulations governing the ownership of property by non-Indonesians, as OXO Living explains in a blog post.

The Botanica Sanctuary in Puncak, Indonesia is ready to welcome guests

Source: The Ascott. The 166-room The Botanica Sanctuary offers views of Mount Pangrango and the virgin pine forest nearby.

The newly-opened The Botanica Sanctuary, managed by The Ascott, is home to over 40 types of plants that are native to Indonesia. Guests staying at the 166-room property can enjoy views of Mount Pangrango and the virgin pine forest nearby.

The Botanica Sanctuary is situated in the heart of Bogor’s Puncak, a popular tourist destination in Indonesia 90 minutes from Jakarta by car. It is also a five-minute drive to Taman Safari Indonesia, a zoo named Best Conservation Site’ by the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry.

Eight apartment types are available: Superior, Deluxe, Premier, Unique Corner, Loft Family rooms as well as The Valley, The Garden and The Botanica Suites. Each room features a balcony offering a forest and mountain view, an en-suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV and complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.

Ipeng Widjojo, Agung Sedayu Group’s COO, Hotel Division 2 and Member of the Management Board, said: “The Botanica Sanctuary represents a refreshing approach to hospitality, offering guests a tranquil haven equipped with modern facilities and using nature-inspired decor. Designed with quality in mind, the hotel provides a welcoming environment for guests to explore and appreciate the surrounding natural elements.

"Ascott is well-recognised internationally. Partnering with Ascott for the fifth time enables us to continue to tap on their global network and deep hospitality expertise, cementing The Botanica Sanctuary’s position in the upscale hotel segment.”

Guests can visit a fitness centre, a jacuzzi and a rooftop swimming pool with a mountain view at The Botanica Sanctuary. Events and business meetings can be held at the 614 sq m mountain-view Sailendra Ballroom as well as at meeting rooms complete with professional banquet services and facilities.

All-day dining is offered at The Garden Brasserie, which has been designed to convey an interactive, marketplace-like atmosphere. Its menu features Indonesian, Japanese, Middle Eastern and Western cuisines, with the full spread on offer on Fridays at the Taste of Asia buffet (IDR195,000 nett per person).

Perfect for meat lovers, Gyu Steak House provides comfortable indoor as well as semi-outdoor seating in addition to a wide variety of quality meat. To unwind, the Rafflesia Lounge welcomes guests to enjoy their favourite beverages.

Details:

To book a stay at The Botanica Sanctuary or for more information, call +6225 1821 7111 or visit discoverasr.com.

Asian Food Network launches website in Bahasa Indonesia

Source: asianfoodnetwork.com. Snippet from the Bahasa Indonesia website.

Asian Food Network (AFN), a major regional TV and online food channel that celebrates unique Asian culinary and cultural experiences, has launched an Indonesian language website to cater to over 200 million people in Indonesia.

AFN is committed to delivering a seamless digital and linear experience that offers entertainment, convenience and a community for all Asian food lovers. In line with this commitment, the website is part of Discovery Networks Asia Pacific (DNAP)'s strategy to enhance its offerings for the large Indonesian-speaking audience in the country and the region, building on the success of its content on the popular asianfoodnetwork.com platform.

"Since the launch of asianfoodnetwork.com in November last year, the website has rallied a healthy fanbase of food lovers, with 10% of users from Indonesia. The Indonesian language website provides an opportunity to serve our Indonesian-speaking fans with hyper-localised content," said Rohit Tharani, Head of Products, Southeast Asia in DNAP.

"This move marks our commitment to make it even more accessible for the Indonesian community to get inspiration and recipes in their native language to create quick and delicious Asian-inspired home-cooked meals."

Many foodies have turned to the AFN website to look up their favourite local Indonesian recipes, including ayam penyet and Indonesian nasi goreng, AFN said. The new Bahasa Indonesia website will continue to provide a trove of tested recipes, cooking tips, stories on Asian food cultures and a growing set of features that will power the community's passion for food and cooking.

The site ensures ease in joining the AFN community, where it is simple for users to register an account, bookmark favourite content pieces, get nutritional information and participate in food conversations through comments.

The community can also look forward to engaging with well-loved ambassadors from Southeast Asia, including Indonesia's very own celebrity chef and food stylist Yuda Bustara, and exciting bite-sized content and partnerships with like-minded brands in the months to come.

For example, AFN created a content series with Foodpanda in Indonesia this year to highlight popular local and festive dishes for Ramadhan and share exciting promotions with the community, including on Facebook and Instagram, where AFN has a reach of close to 800,000 Indonesian fans.

The Asian Food Network (AFN) is an evolution of the formerly-known Asian Food Channel (AFC), built on a community of Asian food lovers. Based in Singapore, AFN's wide Asian distribution footprint will now cover 12 territories on both digital platforms and pay TV across Asia. The community can look forward to free and accessible content on asianfoodnetwork.com where they can engage in conversations around the latest food trends.

Bringing more than just good food to the table, AFN uncovers the world beyond kitchens all across Asia through topical and seasonal stories. The community can also expect conversations on the latest food trends, served fresh on digital platforms.

Discovery, a global provider of in real-life entertainment, delivers over 8,000 hours of original programming each year in 220 countries and territories and 50 languages.

E-marketplace targets SME retailers in Java

Ula, a marketplace app that uses technology to modernise distribution and credit in traditional retail, has grown 10x since launch with customers returning to buy up to three times of their original volumes.

Ula’s success is highlighted by the fact that stores purchased more in May amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19 than ever before, Ula points out.

Launched in January 2020 and headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, Ula is a multi-category wholesale e-commerce marketplace that combines the technology, tools and skills of modern retail with the lean cost structure of traditional micro-retail. Its customers are small retailers which typically have deep, personalised insights into consumer behaviour, but also face poor sourcing and suboptimal working capital.

“A typical store has an 8-10% cost advantage over modern retailers given that they are usually tax-exempt, employ their own family and operate out of their homes. Yet they aren’t competitive for8 lack of access to best sourcing and limited and expensive working capital,” said Derry Sakti, co-founder of Ula.

“For example, a grocery store might need to source inventory from up to 50 different sources (wholesalers/distributors) every week and sometimes order in bulk to get better rates, even when they don’t need such large quantities.”

Ula is currently in private beta and predominantly servicing East Java, with plans to expand further, both in geographies converted and products offered. The company offers small retailers consumer goods and staples, doorstep delivery and pay-later options. This allows small retailers to store less inventory and reduce the likelihood of going out of stock as they can order as much as they expect to sell daily. Ula also uses data science to give working capital credit to retailers.

“Seventy to 80% of the retailers in emerging markets like Indonesia are plagued by inefficiencies in supply chain, inventory and working capital management. With more and more Indonesian SMEs becoming open to adopting technology, platforms like Ula are an easy, affordable and scalable solution to help these retailers streamline their businesses.

"Ula has a highly experienced team bringing together the right mix of experience in local and global e-commerce, retail and fintech markets and we are excited to be early partners in this journey,” said Abheek Anand, MD, Sequoia Capital (India) Singapore.

“For us, the true measure of Ula’s success will be in how much we can improve our customers' lives and businesses. Our collective vision is to revolutionise SME trade using technology, helping increase their efficiency and providing them with tools to conduct their business seamlessly and more profitably,” said Riky Tenggara, co-founder of Ula.

“At SMDV, we are committed to technological betterment of Indonesia. We believe Ula’s grassroots driven approach combined with global e-commerce best practices can have a lasting positive impact on Indonesia’s retail sector,” said Roderick Purwana, Managing Partner, SMDV.

Telkomsel launches Kolak Express 3 mobile game

Telkomsel's Dunia Games has released Kolak Express 3, a game that contributes to the DiRumahTerusTerhibur and #DiRumahTerusMaju initiatives which were created to ensure customers can still be entertained at home amid of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kolak Express 3 is available for download on the Google Play Store. It is the fourth game published by Dunia Games, and reflects Telkomsel's commitment to be the leading mobile game publisher in Indonesia.

Source: Telkomsel, through Dunia Games, has released Kolak Express 3. It is now available for download from the Google Play Store.

Head of Digital Lifestyle, Telkomsel, Crispin P Tristram said, "Kolak Express 3 is a manifestation of Telkomsel's commitment as the leading digital telco company that keeps moving forward to enable customer-centric products and services, including in digital lifestyle segment. Following successful releases of action genre game, ShellFire in 2018, and role-playing genre game, Lord of Estera in 2019 and Rise of Nowlin this year, we are delighted to release an easy-to-play simulation game to provide another variety of game genre in our games collection. Soon, Kolak Express 3 will also available for overseas gamers."

Kolak Express 3 challenges its players to sell kolak - an Indonesian dessert traditionally made with palm or coconut sugar, coconut milk, and pandanus leaf or banana - and serve a variety of kolak as requested by customers over 100 levels. The simple concept of the game enables Kolak Express 3 to be played by all ages.

"Dunia Games is committed to always provide games with a variety of genres to meet every customer's need across segments. This is also in line with the spirit of Telkomsel's 25th year anniversary to always dedicate all resources to create positive impacts for society. Going forward, we will also collaborate with other talents within the mobile game industry to advance the e-sports and gaming ecosystem in Indonesia," Crispin said.

Dunia Games offers payment gateway services, and provides a games and e-sports media platform online and through the Dunia Games app which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and App Store.

Five Asian locations can now shop for Indonesian goods on Bukalapak

Indonesia-based Bukalapak has launched BukaGlobal, which connects the global market with more than 4 million Indonesian sellers, or pelapak. According to Bukalapak, it is the first Indonesian e-commerce platform to be available internationally, further advancing its mission to spearhead the digitalisation and internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia.

Fajrin Rasyid, Co-Founder and President of Bukalapak explains that BukaGlobal was designed to address logistics challenges in the region, such as high costs in postal and courier delivery*. "We want to break down barriers that hinder young and small entrepreneurs from competing on a global playing field, primarily on access, infrastructure, and connectivity. With BukaGlobal, Indonesian products are readily accessible by consumers anywhere in the world through a fast and reliable platform," said Rasyid during the launch.

Singapore is the first country that BukaGlobal is serving. Ngurah Swajaya, Ambassador of the Republic Indonesia to Singapore, explains, “The strong ties that has been established between Indonesia and Singapore, makes it the suitable market hub to introduce Indonesian products in the regional market field. This could be a proper strategy to advance the SMEs potential.”

According to a report by Bain & Company**, a huge middle class is rapidly emerging throughout developing Southeast Asia. Fifty million new consumers will join the ranks of the middle class in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam by 2022, contributing to the region’s US$300 billion in middle-class disposable income. The middle class will expand to include 350 million people and continue on its upward trajectory.

The Indonesian government is helping 8 million Indonesian SMEs to transform their business model. Rudiantara, Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Indonesia, stated in his remarks, “We feel that Bukalapak’s new initiative is aligned with the Indonesian government’s vision in both facilitating and accelerating export market expansion such as vocational programmes, the development of Internet infrastructure, along with business and entrepreneur workshops. We believe that when the collaboration happens between technology and traditional markets, progress will be seen and the path to lead the digital economy in Southeast Asia is clearer for Indonesia.”

Details:


BukaGlobal is currently available in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Brunei Darussalam, with more markets onboarded soon. At the moment, only qualified sellers in Jakarta and Tangerang, Indonesia are able to offer BukaGlobal as part of their service, with more sellers to be involved.

Consumers in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Brunei can order products with weights starting from 0.5 kg with delivery times of approximately six to 11 days depending on the destination.

*International Trade Centre, New Pathways to e‐Commerce: A Global MSME Competitiveness Survey, 2017. (PDF) 
 
**Bain & Company and Facebook IQ. Understanding Southeast Asia’s Emerging Middle Class. Bain. (PDF).

Garuda has the most brand advocates in Indonesia

Airline Garuda Indonesia has the strongest brand advocates among Indonesian consumers, an analysis from YouGov BrandIndex* has found.

The carrier heads the list with a score of 87.5, followed by Singapore Airlines (77.2) and Bank Central Asia (76.5).

YouGov’s rankings are a form of net promoter score and analyse which brands have the highest proportion of current and former customers recommending them to a family member or friend. The top 10 features a number of automotive brands. Toyota in 4th (75.9) while Honda appears twice - with Honda cars in 6th (75.2) and Honda motorcycles in 8th (74.4).

The list comprises of both global brands – such as Google in 7th (74.6) and Apple in 9th (74) place, and fashion retailer Nike scoring 10th (73.1). Local players include Traveloka in 5th place (75.4).

In terms of customer advocacy improvement Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) is out on top (+10.7 points), ahead of cosmetics brand Maybelline and insurance company Prudential. The two brands came in at joint 2nd, each up by 10.1 points.

Ervin Ha, Head of Data Products, YouGov said: “Recommending a brand to friends and family is great indicator of how well a brand is performing, and Garuda has emerged a true winner in this regard. Capturing the attention and advocacy of consumers in a market as extensive as Indonesia is no easy feat, but Garuda has soared to the challenge.”

Source: YouGov. The top 10 list of brands most recommended by Indonesian consumers.

*The YouGov BrandIndex Brand Advocacy Rankings were calculated by measuring recommend scores among each brand’s customers for the twelve-month period through October 2018. Scores are calculated by subtracting the negative responses from the positive responses. Respondents were drawn from YouGov’s online panels of 6 million consumers across 38 markets. The index looks to give brands a good indication on how well or poorly they have been doing in terms of their customer service, as well as quality of services and products provided.

Mulia promotions for RAPTURE – Mulia Summer Party

Source: Mulia Bali via TravMedia Asia. RAPTURE logo.

The inaugural RAPTURE – Mulia Summer Party, to be held 1 September 2018, is expected to be a magnet for party enthusiasts around the world.

Fergie, Mark Ronson, Liam Payne and Sébastien Izambard from Il Divo are slated to attend.

Mulia Bali has also launched a limited time offer that includes the resort as well as RAPTURE. The 5+1 offer, valid only for July, allows groups of six to pay for five.

Details:

This event runs from 12 noon until 8 pm, and is only open for guests aged 18 and above.

Special RAPTURE room packages are available on the official website for stays at the three official hotels: The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas and are inclusive of daily breakfast and passes to the party.

For more information and ticket reservations, call +62 361 301 7777.

Explore:

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post introducing RAPTURE

Hashtags: #MuliaRapture #GetRaptured

Cleanse and detox on July and August weekends at the REVĪVŌ in Bali

Source: REVĪVŌ. Cleanse and detox retreats will be held every weekend in July and August.

Luxury wellness resort REVĪVŌ in Bali, Indonesia has launched cleanse and detox weekend retreats every weekend for the months of July and August.

With the option of attending for either one or two days for the retreats, the cleanse and detox programme begins at 10am every Saturday, starting with a cold-pressed juice followed by a yoga, Pilates or meditation class. After the session, guests will be served a kombucha (flavoured fermented tea) and detox lunch at NŪTRIŌ restaurant – with the aim of introducing alkaline-forming plant foods into the diet, while reducing the intake of acidic, toxin-rich foods.

Throughout the programme, guests will have unlimited access to the main pool, two hydro Vichy shower beds, hot and chill plunge pools, infrared saunas, jacuzzi, steam rooms and a saltwater floating pool. There will also be the option to enjoy an hour long lymphatic drainage massage at REMISSIŌ spa for an additional cost of US$30. The massage uses very light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to enhance blood circulation throughout the body. 

The programme concludes at 6pm and starts again at 10am the next day for those signed up for the two-day retreat. All guests will receive complimentary transfers to and from Seminyak for added convenience (or airport transfers if flying in internationally), and for those looking to have the full REVĪVŌ experience, the Garden Suite at the resort is available at a special nightly rate of US$350.
 

REVĪVŌ offers 16 Balinese-style suites, including two four-bedroom villas.  

 

Details:

The Cleanse & Detox retreat is available in the following packages: 

 

•   One-day Cleanse & Detox – US$45; US$75 with an additional massage

 

•   Two-day Cleanse & Detox – US$80; US$140 with two additional massages 

 

All prices are subject to 10% government tax and 11% service charge

WAKE UP CALL comes to Bali this October

Source: WAKE UP CALL website. W Hotels is organising a music festival with a difference at three locations in 2018, followed by a Dubai destination in 2019.

W Hotels is rolling out WAKE UP CALL, the brand's signature music festival series that will make stops at three W Hotels, at the W Bali in addition to hotels in the US and Europe.

Combining the brand's passion for music with its signature Whatever/Whenever philosophy, WAKE UP CALL takes the festival experience onto hotel grounds. Available exclusively for members of Marriott International's Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) and Marriott Rewards loyalty programmes, the deal is to register, check in and then check out performances throughout the hotel.

“Music is a universal language, one we have spoken since day one at W,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “We've brought the Whatever/Whenever mentality to recording artists and guests for years – through concepts like our W Sound Suite recording studios and countless performances in W Living Rooms – all to bring people closer to the music they love. Now we are taking our groundbreaking WAKE UP CALL music festival around the world, disrupting the festival scene in ways that only a W hotel stay can.” 

With a mix of big name artists as well as new/next talent, WAKE UP CALL will include performances by Angus & Julia Stone, Sam Feldt and Nightmares On Wax (DJ set) at W Bali. Festival goers can expect everything from workout sessions with top fitness masters to exclusive dishes and drinks created by W chefs and mixologists. SPG and Marriott Rewards members can bid for even more exclusive WAKE UP CALL Moments, including 60-minute DJ masterclasses, in-suite afterparties with featured artists, and off-site adventures curated by festival talent. 

Details:

W Hotels is bringing this upgraded and elevated festival experience exclusively to members of SPG and Marriott Rewards. The Asian leg of the festival runs from October 4 to 6 at the W Bali. 

Elite membership is not a requirement—anyone can join online. Existing members of SPG and Marriott Rewards can log in with their account information to get festival access; non-members can sign up through SPG.

Those who are unable to attend in person can tune in to SPG's YouTube channel to catch live performances from every location, exclusive artist interviews, and more.

Hashtag: #WAKEUPCALLFEST

Emirates launches the only year-round non-stop flight between Bali and Auckland

- New service is only year-round non-stop flight between Bali, Indonesia and Auckland, New Zealand

- Flight will meet increased demand between Emirates global network and Bali, and provide a new connectivity option for visitors to New Zealand

- First Emirates service to Bali featuring First Class

Emirates has launched a new daily service from Dubai, UAE to Auckland via Bali, reflecting increased interest in the Indonesian island destination and improving connectivity to New Zealand.

The new service offers global travellers a total of three daily services to New Zealand, complementing Emirates’ existing non-stop daily A380 service between Dubai and Auckland and its current daily A380 service between Dubai and Christchurch, New Zealand via Sydney, Australia. Travellers will now also enjoy a choice of three daily services between Dubai to Bali in the summer (northern hemisphere)*, as the new flight adds to Emirates’ two existing daily services which are currently operated by a Boeing 777-300ER in a two-class configuration.

Source: Emirates. Flight EK450 was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute on its first arrival in Auckland.

Emirates’ new Dubai-Bali-Auckland flight provides the only year-round non-stop daily service between Auckland and Bali, giving passengers an opportunity to visit and/or stop over in one of the most popular islands in Indonesia. The airline is operating a 777-300ER on the route, offering eight seats in First, 42 seats in Business and 304 seats in Economy class, as well as 20 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity. The new service will also be the first Emirates Bali flight to offer passengers the airline’s First Class product.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said: “We are very pleased to see the interest this new route has created since it was announced in mid-February, reflected in strong bookings from Auckland to Bali and beyond, as well as southbound from our global network. Markets such as the UK, Europe and the Middle East have all responded keenly to the new option provided by us opening up this route. Bali and Auckland are both desirable destinations in the eyes of our customers.”

Outpost wins awards for both co-living and co-working spaces

Source: Outpost. Co-workers at Outpost Ubud.

Outpost has received market recognition with a double win in the 2018 Coworker Member’s Choice Awards run by Coworker.com. Coworker connects people and coworking spaces in over 115 countries.

Both of Outpost’s spaces were awarded the top spot for their locales, with Outpost Ubud winning in Bali, Indonesia, and Outpost Cambodia winning in Cambodia.

Member’s Choice award winners were determined based on thousands of reviews, votes and opinions collected in a single year from coworking members worldwide.

“What's really meaningful to us is that this award comes from a direct vote from our members – the incredible location independent and purpose-driven entrepreneurs, professionals and creatives who form our global community. It’s a huge vote of confidence that we’re successfully providing spaces that not only meet their needs, but exceed them,” says David Abraham, Outpost co-founder.

Outpost, celebrating its second anniversary this week, established its first neighborhood in Ubud, Bali in 2016, followed by an Outpost popup in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2017. Both offer integrated coliving and coworking, making them one of the largest coliving companies in the region, managing nearly 40 rooms.

“Our next big step forward is opening an additional colive-cowork space in Canggu, Bali this June,” adds Bryan Stewart, Outpost co-founder.

Leanne Beesley, CEO of Coworker, says: “Coworker is excited to announce the winners of the 2018 Members’ Choice Awards and celebrate the coworking spaces around the world that are making an impact in their community. By putting a spotlight on coworking spaces that are providing a great environment and creating a community for their members, Coworker gives coworking spaces both large and small the ability to shine and attract new members.”