Decision day looms large
Indonesia Tatler is never afraid to tackle heavyweight subjects: recently, we’ve covered environmental issues, charities that help rebuild shattered lives, women’s empowerment, as well as our Asia-wide Generation T initiative. So this issue’s main story (well, one of them) about President Joko Widodo needs no introduction. I don’t want to wax lyrical about Jokowi despite his many achievements—suffice it to say that in “Man of Action”, you can be reminded of the achievements of this humble and adept politician.
Instead, I’d love to draw your attention to our cover story about the wonderful Martha Tilaar and her daughter, Wulan. In “Traditional Treasures”, we trace the development of the Martha Tilaar Group (MTG) from its beginnings following a singular event in Martha’s life to her delving into local wisdom to develop her products through to MTG’S role in providing employment opportunities to individuals who may otherwise not be able to reach even the lowest rung on a career ladder. Martha and Wulan are true Indonesian greats who have learned and evolved by experience, and who are now looking at regional (and, we hope and pray, global) expansion of the Martha Tilaar Spa brand.
Elsewhere, and somewhat in reverse to Martha’s story, we devote several pages to looking at the launch of Amanyangyun, a muchanticipated opening from the globally famous Aman Group in Shanghai, China. Counting five Aman resorts in existence around Indonesia, its experience in bringing international knowhow into a local market is well proven. And staying on the subject of hospitality, we also talk to Stéphanie de Boüard-rivoal about Château Angélus and traditional winemaking in the modern era. Stéphanie, the eighth generation and third woman to head her estate since its founding in 1782, regards her vocation as “priestly”, and having read the article I have to agree with her.
What more to say when I’m rapidly running out of space? Only to get out and vote this month. Whomever you support, voting is less of a right or privilege than it is a duty—so make sure you make your voice heard.
Happy reading!