At Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan, Sunardi Song leads with a clear purpose: to create a new kind of home for travellers in the heart of the city. With years of experience and a deep understanding of hospitality values, he brings comfort, freedom and sustainability under one roof.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality, and how did your path lead to your current position as general manager?
A: I’ve always been drawn to a career that allows me to see the world. Hospitality felt like the perfect path: a way to travel, meet new people and experience different cultures up close. I started my career in food and beverage, learning the foundations of service from the ground up. Every step taught me something new, and over time, I moved into management roles. Joining Accor allowed me to participate a development programme that accelerated my growth, and with years of experience behind me, I eventually reached my goal of becoming a general manager.
Q: What motivated you to join Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan?
A: I feel incredibly proud to be part of such an important milestone. Opening the first Swissôtel Living in Asia, right here in Jakarta, is a personally and professionally meaningful achievement. It’s exciting to see the brand take a new step by offering an extended-stay experience, and even more rewarding to help bring that vision to life. Being involved from the beginning has been a great honour, and it’s inspiring to know we are setting a new benchmark for future developments.
Q: As a newly launched property, what makes Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan stand out in such a competitive market?
A: One of our greatest strengths is our location. Set in Mega Kuningan, we are right in the heart of Jakarta’s business and embassy district, making the property an ideal choice for longer stays. Many of our guests are here for work or diplomatic assignments and need a place to stay for a week, a month or even longer. With easy access to offices, embassies and key city destinations, Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan offers comfort, convenience and a sense of home for those staying beyond just a few days.
Q: What were some of the most difficult challenges during the pre-opening, and how did you ensure a smooth launch?
A: One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the Swissôtel brand DNA was reflected throughout the building. As a premium brand, every detail must meet a high standard while staying true to Swissôtel’s identity. At the same time, since Swissôtel Living is the brand’s first serviced residence in Jakarta, it was essential to study the local market carefully to understand what guests expect and how to balance those insights with the brand’s values. Incorporating Swiss hospitality with touches of Japanese influence in the design added another layer of complexity. Finding the right harmony between all these elements was key to achieving a smooth opening.
Q: How do you build a strong and motivated team when opening a new property?
A: I believe every property and every brand must share a clear vision, mission and core values. After spending over 13 years with Accor, I learned the importance of carrying those values when opening a new property. From the start, I focus on ensuring that every team member aligns with the same direction and purpose. By consistently reinforcing the values set by our central management and ensuring they are understood and embraced at every level of the team, we can build a strong, motivated group that moves forward together.
Q: How does Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan’s concept meet the needs of today’s travellers and long-stay guests?
A: Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan is designed to meet the needs of both long-stay and short-stay guests. Each apartment features a kitchen and an in-room laundry machine with full drying capabilities, allowing guests to manage their routines easily. We are also expanding our offerings with Amber’s, an open-fire grill restaurant showcasing premium grilled dishes and seafood. Soon, Arden Grove will open, offering a variety of restaurants and a supermarket to make extended stays even more convenient. This project is nearly complete and expected to open in late 2025.
Q: What new initiatives can guests expect from Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan?
A: At Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan, guests can expect to feel entirely at home, even while away. Each serviced apartment is thoughtfully designed with a fully equipped kitchen, an in-unit laundry machine with full drying capability and the latest technology to simplify daily living. Beyond providing comfort and convenience, the property is committed to sustainability. It is the only serviced residence in Jakarta powered entirely by renewable energy, allowing guests to enjoy their stay while making a positive impact on the environment.
Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan
Jalan Guru Mughni
Jakarta 12930, Indonesia
T: (+62) 2125094878
W: swissotelliving-jakarta-megakuningan.com
Asia Dreams Volume 55
