Klub Rasuna: A natural choice for healthy living

Nestled in the heart of Jakarta's central business district, Klub Rasuna is a tranquil escape from the stress of daily life. One of Indonesia's premier sports and social clubs, the Bakrie Klub Rasuna was opened in November 1995, with a commitment to health and recreation.

Tigor Pribadi, Klub Rasuna's Marketing Manager, said the club aims to become the best sports club in Jakarta, with the highest standard of service.

Staff take an active interest in each member's physical fitness and personal comfort, designing special programs for key areas of interest.

Klub Rasuna is targeted toward the managerial and professional market but has recently realized the importance of incorporating families to expand the club's social atmosphere.

"When the club first opened, it was aimed at businesspeople in Jakarta, but we have since changed our approach to cater more for families," said Klub Rasuna General Manager Ian Neish.

"We want the heart of this club to be family oriented and if we move in that direction, we can be sure it will be a measured success," he said.

Unlike most health and fitness clubs, Klub Rasuna is more than just a place to workout. Its facilities provide a comfortable and refreshing environment to relax. The club hopes members will take the time after a workout or a game of tennis to unwind in their restaurant and enjoy a meal with friends.

"We want Klub Rasuna to be like a home. We don't want people to workout and then just leave. This club encourages people to meet each other in a social environment and interact with other members. We want to make this club a place to make new friends," said Neish.

"The environment creates a natural ambience which puts us ahead of other competitors, which are usually located in high- rise buildings. At Klub Rasuna, we offer a genuine country atmosphere," he said.

One of the key purposes of Klub Rasuna is to encourage professionalism in the Indonesian world of sports and provide world class sports facilities to its members.

Klub Rasuna has developed itself as a center for tennis excellence. The club has 13 tennis courts, two of which are covered courts to cater for the Indonesian climate. This gives members the chance to play tennis in all weather conditions.

Tennis coach Jim Melesko has been sharing his knowledge of tennis with players at Klub Rasuna for the past nine months, training junior professionals and amateurs and offering advice. Melesko is a former coach from the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy (NBTA) in Florida, U.S. where he worked for five years. Successful tennis players to graduate from NBTA include Andre Agassi, Monica Seles and Jim Courier.

"Klub Rasuna offers top-notch courts, definitely some of the best in Jakarta," he said. "There is a lot of potential for this club to develop as a center of tennis excellence. We're centrally located and if people can't reach us, we'll try to reach them."

Melesko has been promoting Klub Rasuna's junior tennis program at schools throughout Jakarta. Currently, 40 students are enrolled in the junior program and there are plans to expand.

Melesko believes there is a lot of potential for Indonesia to produce professional tennis stars.

"Indonesia needs a lot of work at the grassroots level and the national tennis association should do more to support students and encourage them to travel overseas to compete in tournaments," he said.

"Indonesian tennis players harbor a lot of potential and are very talented but they sometimes lack motivation and self- discipline," he said, adding Klub Rasuna is trying to harness the skills of young players and give them a platform for competition.

"Jim is a particularly competent coach and has contributed to the development of junior tennis in Jakarta," said Neish.

In April, Klub Rasuna will host the Women's Satellite Tournament. Although this is one of the lowest-ranked tennis tournaments, it provides great exposure to some promising stars.

But for those who prefer to work up a sweat another way, there is plenty of variety at Klub Rasuna. The fitness center includes the latest in weight machines, free weights, stair-climbers, treadmills and stationary bicycles, providing a modern, comfortable exercise environment.

There are also squash courts and a half-Olympic sized swimming pool. The pool is set in Balinese-style garden surrounds. Massage facilities and a hot-water whirlpool are also available, stressing the importance of relaxation. There is also a running track which is available for members' use although it is owned by Pasar Festival.

Klub Rasuna promotes a healthy lifestyle and is concerned about what goes into your body as well as physical fitness. The club's First Serve juice bar and Spectators restaurant not only keep in with the sports theme but also aim to provide a comfortable social environment after a workout. Spectators are offered nutritious low-fat, low-calorie food and beverages. All food is hygienically prepared and uses fresh, healthy ingredients. A mixture of Indonesian, Western and Oriental food is available at reasonable prices.

Klub Rasuna also offers outside catering and has several function rooms which can be used for weddings, meetings and other appointments. The Achmad Bakrie Hall can cater for a maximum of 50 people standing. All of this is designed for busy executives who need to facilitate time between health and fitness, social engagements and business activities.

The club also features a child-minding center which allows parents time to enjoy the facilities. Children are supervised in a brightly decorated room full of toys and a television set. In keeping with Klub Rasuna's family oriented approach to health and fitness, the club is creating programs specifically geared toward children's entertainment. There are also plans to introduce more outdoor activities and install a children's playground.

Klub Rasuna hopes to maintain its exclusive environment and has limited its total number of memberships to 2,000. It's location is strategic as development is expanding rapidly in the Kuningan area.

"Years ago, Kuningan was a quiet area but not now that development has taken off. Klub Rasuna is in a prime business area and is certain to benefit," said Assistant General Manager Januar Mangitung.

But naturally, in a teeming metropolis such as Jakarta, there is a lot of competition. Membership Services Manager Roslinar Rasyid said Klub Rasuna is aware of the competition and is doing everything to make members feel at home. "We believe in approaching our members personally and creating a relaxed and family oriented atmosphere," she said.

The club's members largely comprise executives and stem from varied backgrounds. Included on the honorary board are influential Indonesian figures such as Azwar Anas, James Riady and Joop Ave. The club is open 6 a.m to 10 p.m Monday to Friday and 6 a.m to 9 p.m weekends.

In many ways, Klub Rasuna is the sports center of the future, combining physical fitness with spiritual health and well-being. "It is the ideal location to combine business and a personal hobby," said Neish.

A place to relax both body and mind.

For further information contact Marketing Manager Tigor Pribadi, Klub Rasuna, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. C22, Kuningan, telephone number 5263150, fax number 5263260.