Living comfortably with 24-hour security
Living comfortably with 24-hour security
Debbie A. Lubis Contributor Jakarta
Serviced apartments have become a premier housing choice for Vijay Ahmed since the insurance company he works for, assigned him to work in Indonesia several months ago. His wife and children decided to stay in Malaysia due to educational reasons.
"Serviced apartments offer a more affordable alternative than a hotel room. Besides, I don't have to worry about utility connections, furniture purchases, or hiring maids. I can enjoy all the amenities of a home-like atmosphere here," he said referring to his apartment located near the central business district (CBD).
Business travelers and expatriates who are traveling to Jakarta for vacation or for work, can enjoy spacious luxury of a private residence with the service and security of a hotel by renting serviced apartments for one night or years, without worrying about kitchen appliances, paintings, lamps and other decorations.
"People can lead an easy and enjoyable life in the apartment because it has complete facilities, including sports. Its proximity to most offices (CBD) gives people better access to most places, so they can avoid traffic congestion, and save time.
Unlike living in a house, they also have better security and do not have to think about the maintenance," said Fury Wardhana, assistant marketing manager of commercial residences at PT. Jakarta Setiabudi Internasional Tbk that runs Apartemen Kuningan.
Security has become a major concern of many apartment tenants. Recent incidents like riots and the Bali bombings have made them aware of the importance of 24-hour security. "I have lived in a serviced apartment since the May 1998 Riots because I am afraid that such things may recur and I do not want to be a victim of xenophobia here," a tenant who declined to disclose her name said.
To keep its tenants comfortable and secure, Apartemen Kuningan has enhanced its security system by using metal detectors to check all staff, tenants, guests, suppliers, as well as all vehicles. The car's baggage and the sitting area are also checked properly. The security staff regularly checks the apartment from the basement to the roof, 24 hours a day.
"Our security guards are trained to deal with any emergency situation efficiently. Not everyone can enter the building unless they have an appointment and the guests can not enter the apartment unless the tenant invites them in," Fury said.
Meanwhile, the Ascott Jakarta has instituted several measures to enhance security such as limiting access of basement car parks to tenants with valid car stickers only, installation of additional security personnel to monitor entry and other strategic points, use of cameras and other equipment to monitor activities around the building.
"Being in a serviced residence business, the traffic of people coming in and out of the building is limited to our residents and staff which facilitates easier monitoring and control," Avelyn Santiago, resident manager of the Ascott Jakarta said, adding that "security" is one of the company's strong selling points.
The Ascott Group owns and manages properties under The Ascott & Somerset brands. It has one-stop service for three properties in Jakarta and two in Surabaya with networks in 12 countries. Currently, its occupancy rate is very stable, above 80 percent on average.
Menteng Executive also ensures its tenants' security by checking every car, having the security guards go around the building for 24 hours, and providing emergency doors. Herlina Tamblin, the company's senior marketing executive, said that every driver or maids working inside the building had to be registered.
"They must wear their name tags while working," she said. Security guarantee, service and strategic location have made Menteng Executive able to maintain its occupancy rate up to 99 percent.
Security issues, however, do not impede the apartment management from being optimistic in developing their business. "We believe that the serviced apartment business will remain stable with sustainable growth in the years to come," Santiago said.
He added that the growth would be highly dependent upon the alleviation of security concerns and stability of the political climate, both of which will help fuel economic and foreign investment growth in the country. "This will directly impact our market niche which is heavily reliant on foreign arrivals contemplating to stay and do business in Indonesia for at least a year or more."
Sharing Santiago's view, Fury believed that the business would continue to grow in years to come since the size of land is limited. He admitted that incidents such as the Bali bombings indeed affected the occupancy rate but other factors such as the credibility of government, including their policy related to the business sector (multi national companies) would also affect the number of new tenants.
During holiday seasons occupancy goes down, he said. The number of new tenants from October to December may decline gradually up to 20 percent. It will increase again after New Year until May before summer holidays.