Palatial accommodation in futuristic city
Palatial accommodation in futuristic city
"The comfort and convenience of an apartment, the beauty and atmosphere of a holiday resort, and the good old feeling of home," is the inviting caption of the Apartemen Istana Sahid.
However, with the influx of serviced apartments in Jakarta one wonders whether there is room for more? This is an oft repeated question, observed Belgium born Guido Gyde, and promptly clarified the three distinct advantages.
"Firstly, the location simply couldn't be more convenient. It is adjacent to Sahid Jaya Hotel & Tower and faces both Jalan Jenderal Sudirman and Jalan K.H. Mas Mansyur. It is strategically located in the futuristic 6-hectare Sahid City.
"It is close to important corporate headquarters, major banks, government offices and the new Jakarta Stock Exchange. It is within easy reach of shopping and entertainment options, and has access to Jakarta's arterial road network even during 3-in-1 traffic hours.
"Secondly, the apartments are `homes' when it comes to the decor, furnishing, glassware and linen. That is what makes the difference.
"And finally, it is just steps away from one of the finest hotels, having access to eight restaurants, a 24-hour business service, a shopping arcade, medical facility and even use of the airport shuttle service."
Under the able guidance of Exacty Sukamdani Sryantoro, the President Director of PT Sahid Inti Dinamika, the Sahid Group will officially open the Sahid Palace Executive Apartment on April 27, 1995.
Exacty has a Master's Degree in Business Management from the California State University. She has held various management positions with PT Sahid Detolin Textile and currently is also a Director of PT Sahid Dwikencana and PT Layettexindo, and Managing Director of PT Sahid Noel Mitra Sejati.
The Twin Towers, Melati & Mawar, consist of 188 apartments. There are 60 serviced apartments professionally managed by the Sahid Jaya Hotel, and 128 two and three bedroom strata title apartments, ranging between 146 square meters to 182 square meters. In addition there are four luxurious penthouses covering an area of approximately 500 square meters.
The apartments were designed by Hong Kong based British designer Dale Keller, who gave top priority to total comfort, convenience, privacy and security.
The apartments are fully furnished, with two parabola antenna linked television sets, telephone and facsimile, a kitchen conveniently equipped with stove, microwave oven, refrigerator. A dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, chinaware, flatware, towels and linen are also included. Each apartment has its own videophone and private parking space.
Special features
Exacty Sryantoro meticulously recorded the special features of the Sahid apartments. She said "The decor is pleasant, with a feeling of space, having open water elements. Coconut shells have been artistically utilized for the interior, combined with a soft, practical and modern Indonesian design. Balinese art form with a difference has been introduced, with a blend of East and West."
The restaurants at the complex include Nishikiya, serving Japanese cuisine, and Grya Utami serving Chinese specialities. Mel's Diner is being introduced for the first time in Indonesia and will provide American home style cooking, from breakfast to dinner, with speciality desserts from the various American states. Home delivery from these restaurants will also be available.
Star Mart, a mini supermarket with a video rental shop, photo shop, bakery and laundrette is another of the conveniences.
The Fitness Center by Weider is also the first of its kind in Indonesia. A unique feature is the cardio-theater, a measurement of fitness, whereby the range of exercise is tailored to users' needs.
Another first is a Turkish Spa providing aromatic herbal therapy. Exacty mentioned that membership to outsiders would be possible.
The apartments range from US$4,200 to $5,600 per month, with a minimum rental period of six months. There are several options open, and the rental would vary accordingly.
Out of the 128 strata title apartments, there are only 14 left for prospective owners, as the other 114 units have been sold. Thus inviting Gyde's apt comment on marketability - "Hurry, hurry - otherwise its too late."
Exacty Sriyantoro also remarked, justifiably with pride, "we have achieved three things as developers: the construction has been on schedule and delivered on time; marketing targets have been reached with a 60 percent increase in value since it was launched in March 1993; and we have paid special attention to environmental needs, the gardening water is recycled and the super block is surrounded by greenery.
"The Sahid Group wants to be different" Exacty emphasized, "even in the selection and screening of tenants. The target market are well respected people, professionals and prominent businessmen from Jakarta and outside too. We are not interested in just selling, we are interested in occupancy."
Menara Sahid
The Apartemen Istana Sahid is just the beginning of Sahid City. This will be followed by a 33-story Menara Sahid office tower. The complex will also include a sunken, uniquely designed soundproof mosque. It will have a five level basement, shopping arcade, ample parking space with underground tunnels facilitating movement to neighboring buildings. Care has been taken with the provision of well ventilated rest areas for drivers utilizing the basement parking area.
Plans are also under way for further expansions. This city has it all - security, service, facilities and luxury. A self- contained complex in the heart of town, which is the answer to the ever growing pace of business development. Besides, the man- hours saved by way of travel would certainly make it a worthwhile investment. In the words of Gyde "it is not only a place to live, it is a living place."
Pilot project
Apartemen Istana Sahid is just a pilot project. Exacty stated that being in the hotel industry for over 30 years and having expertise in property related business, handling such development projects comes naturally. The Sahid International Hotel Management & Consultant Corporation believes that other companies in the hotel sector in the country would like to take advantage of their proven expertise, thus enabling the Sahid Group to further serve the cause of future development in the country.