TRISNA ALBONA

BARTENDER AND CORPORATE BEVERAGE MANAGER AT SYAH ESTABLISHMENT

Trisna Albona is one of the most well-known female bartenders, or mixologists, in Indonesia. However, she never really planned on being a bartender, much less to rank top among the male-dominated industry. No matter who the bartender is, Bona said that mutual respect must be the rule at the bar. “When you drink, be a responsible drinker; mind your attitude and respect the bartenders," she said. "As bartenders, we also have this responsibility to educate our guests.” During her study of hospitality back in college, Bona got to know the world of mixology and started working as a bartender. But what is the difference between a bartender and a mixologist? “I think it was initially the same,” she said. “However, I see mixologists as beverage specialists; they get to explore and create new beverage creations.” With two decades of experience, Bona has become part of the bartending industry evolution here, and she remains optimistic regarding how the F&B scene would adapt post-pandemic. “For instance, we serve cocktails-to-go during the pandemic and the demand is there.

So, I think the industry is going to be fine.”