Hengky Djaja, President Director of MM Galleri Jakarta, has been at the helm of one of the region’s largest natural stone companies for over 25 years. Known for his systematic management style, he leads a loyal team of more than one hundred employees at the company’s headquarters and various project sites. Amidst his busy schedule, he welcomed Indonesia Design to talk about MM Galleri’s showroom at Indonesia Design District (IDD) in PIK 2.
Visiting the MM Galleri showroom in the Indonesia Design District is a unique experience. The expansive space greets visitors with an air of glamour, leaving them impressed from the moment they step in.
Hengky, who has long been recognised for his expertise in the marble market, explains the vision behind the showroom. “First of all, MM Galleri sells natural stone. The showroom is where we display our products so that, in the end, they will be sold,” he says. “But if a showroom is designed solely for transactions, it becomes a minimally interactive place. We wanted something more engaging.”
He continues, “We envisioned this showroom as a community hub—somewhere my team and I can meet our key accounts not just to talk business, but to interact more casually. At the same time, I wanted to fully showcase the potential of natural stone, which is our core business.”
This vision has transformed the MM Galleri showroom into a venue for diverse events, from automotive product launches and basketball games to book signings and seminars. The space even features a professional kitchen to support such activities. “By coming to the showroom and seeing our stones displayed in various settings, visitors are inspired to explore new design possibilities. That’s why we dared to make such a serious investment here,” Hengky asserts.
Marble as a Luxury Material
When asked about the marble industry, Hengky notes that many people still confuse marble with ceramics. “Marble is unquestionably a luxury product because it’s a natural stone,” he says.
“Many people don’t realise this, but marble is a living material. As a natural product, it comes with different grades, and its value depends on its perfection. This grading is what makes marble a luxury item,” he explains.
The Future of Marbles
Hengky is optimistic about the future of marble. “Over time, customers are becoming increasingly discerning about what they want,” he observes. He believes that people will use natural stone more thoughtfully, tailoring its application to specific design needs.
“If someone wants a luxurious touch in a certain space, they will choose natural stone for its authenticity and beauty,” he says. Whilst marble was once used mainly for floors, walls, or tabletops, the possibilities have expanded. “With the development we’ve achieved over the years, I believe marble will be used in more complex ways, be it in art pieces or on ceilings if desired.”
With that, Hengky concludes our conversation, confident that marble’s timeless appeal will continue to inspire both designers and customers in the years to come.