Manager of Food & Beverage
at Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran
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E: What are your responsibilities?
Heru: Everything. Experience and quality are the most important foundation on which to build something, from that we continue to expand our reputation in this region. I am part of the young generation in the F&B industry and have aggressive vision in marketing, execution and results. Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran is in the phase where its existence is established already. With support from the management, we’re going to continue that legacy. Right now, we are on the right track with a positive spirit, our strong points and room to improve.
E: What makes a typical day?
H: Every morning I wake up as early as my daughter. Exercising is a must, as this keeps my spirit and body sharp. As soon as I arrive at the hotel, I spend 10 minutes in my office to check any details that the team has handled the night before, after I left. I head to the restaurant to spend time with my guests during breakfast service and let them know that I will be their guardian angel during their stay. I love this communication method and I believe my attitude is conveyed as a positive energy to the guests, and they will trust us as their second home. I also go and check all the areas, including the kitchen and dishwashing areas, and discuss details with each section’s leader in my department.
E: Your best attribute?
H: I love my job, and I do it with passion, and from there I know how I am going to achieve my goals.
E: Team player or team leader?
H: Both. When I lead, I have to know what I’m doing, and I have to believe in myself. Then I earn trust from my peers and staff to lead them in playing this game as a team. Everyone has a role to play to achieve our goals.
E: Who has been the most influential figure in your career to date?
H: The people I worked with at Hakkasan Dubai and Shanghai back in the days. I learned a lot of lessons from the service and quality they offered, it was a great opportunity for me to develop my career. When I worked at The Westin Jakarta, Freddie Khoo was a great mentor. He encouraged me to be the best version of myself and to implement my passion for the F&B business.
E: Name one really special thing about your hotel?
H: For me it’s not just a hotel, it’s been a home since day one. We have a unique all-day dining restaurant, called Bamboo Chic, serving multi-national cuisine, from local to western. What distinguishes us is the personalised service. In addition, we also have a fancy rooftop outlet boasting views of the ocean and Jimbaran beach, called Sky Lounge.
E: How do you unwind?
H: Moving to the island from a metropolitan city is a dream come true for me and my family. I can enjoy nature often and spending time with my little family on the beach is a weekly goal. Accompanying my daughter playing on the sand is heaven for me.
E: Dead or alive, who would you like to take out to dinner?
H: This is a very emotional question. My mom and my sister who have passed away. I love them both.
Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran
Jalan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran
Bali 80361, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3618466888
Exquisite Taste March – May 2020
