Kuningan Apartments: Luxury and location combine
Jakarta's traffic problems are notorious, often culminating in huge jams on the city's main arteries. Combine these with a "demonstration season", which is showing no signs of ending, and the journey to and from work can be a lengthy and frustrating experience. Those on the lookout for a apartment, therefore, would be wise to give considerable thought to the location of their prospective home.
In this regard Kuningan Apartments are in an enviable position, in a quiet neighborhood accessible from the main thoroughfares of Jl. Jend. Sudirman and Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said. They are far from the recent trouble spots of Semanggi flyover and the House of Representatives, and just minutes from embassy row and the capital's main business and recreation centers. Their prime spot in the middle of Jakarta's Golden Triangle is just one of the reasons why the occupancy rate is above the average.
The eight-story block was built and designed in 1994 by the Shimizu Corporation, whose credits include Singapore's MRT system and numerous other apartments worldwide. The immaculately maintained grounds and lobby area are a testament to the management skills of the Jan Darmadi Group -- a group whose sole interest lies in property development.
Prospective residents can choose from a selection of different room layouts, with one, two or three bedrooms. All have spacious sitting rooms and the master bedrooms come with wide screen televisions and reclining chairs. The apartments have no maid's quarters so space is maximized for the tenant. In any case, a regular maid service is available. The rooms are bright and command fine views over the houses of Kuningan and the sksyscapers of downtown Jakarta.
The interior design was left to Hirsch/Bedner Associates, famous for their work in the Grand Hyatt, Jakarta. Not unsurprisingly, then, the rooms are designed with luxury and comfort in mind. Wooden flooring is used in all the rooms apart from the bathroom and kitchen. Understated fitting and fixtures allow the resident to stamp his or her own personality on the rooms. The kitchens are equipped with the latest in laborsaving devices, and have ample work surfaces.
The list of facilities available to residents reads like that of a top hotel. There is a coffee shop in the lobby which serves light snacks and full meals -- perfect for those times when cooking is just one chore too many. Decide to cook and the larder is empty? Pop downstairs to the conveniently located supermarket, also in the lobby.
The exercise facilities are well looked after and open from early in the morning until late at night. The large rooftop swimming pool is ideal for lengths and for those wanting to relax, it has a small Jacuzzi in one corner from where the sounds of the city are but a distant rumble: Stress seems very far away.
The list continues with a fitness center, a nearby tennis court and a business center complete with meeting rooms. Frequent travelers will appreciate the travel agent, whose staff can arrange visas and tickets for around the world. Discounts on domestic tickets are also available for residents.
Security is tight and operates around the clock. Trained guards keep a watchful eye on the comings and goings at the apartment entrance and residents are immediately informed of a guest's arrival by the reception staff.
Considering their unmatched location and their overall quality, leases for the Kuningan Apartments remain competitively priced. Call either Irza Ifdial or Charles Sirait at 5228510 or 5260260 for more details. Or come directly to the apartments at Jl. Setiabudi Utara, Kuningan, Jakarta and see for yourself. (Chris Brummitt)