Where is the current hotspot in Jakarta? Undoubtedly, PIK is amongst the top answers, as it offers premier entertainment and tourism destinations such as Pantjoran PIK, Batavia PIK, Land’s End, and IDD. Now, Central Market is extending that impressive list. All these projects fall under the supervision of Natalia Kusumo, one of Agung Sedayu Group’s youngest CEOs. She leads Amantara, the Commercial and Hotel Division 2 of the group. Below is our interview with her about Central Market PIK, her latest development, as well as the upcoming projects in her pipeline.
STORY BY Barbara Hahijary | PHOTOS BY Various sources
What motivated you to develop Central Market PIK into a green building?
The concept for Central Market PIK emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the economy struggling and people grappling with health issues, it was a critical time for both business and personal life. Despite severe budget constraints, we needed to keep the project moving forward. Our first step was to identify areas where we could reduce operational costs. We discovered that air conditioning accounted for up to 75 per cent of these costs, so we decided to eliminate it. We also reduced the number of walls to facilitate natural ventilation. However, we were careful not to compromise the property’s experience, which is why we focused on green initiatives and incorporated numerous plants into the design.
I also noticed during the pandemic that people were fearful of breathing around others and started purchasing air purifiers for their homes, offices, and cars. This struck me profoundly because I realised that plants, which act as natural air purifiers, could serve this purpose just as effectively. This realisation drove me to ensure that people would be surrounded by these natural air purifiers.
The fragility of life became even more apparent, and I felt a strong urge to leave the world in a better state for future generations. As a developer, I believe we have the power to create healthy living spaces, and it’s a responsibility I take seriously. From a business perspective, green projects are not only cost-efficient but also provide a superior environment for people. I’m proud of what our team has accomplished with Central Market PIK. Seeing the plants thrive and children playing around them brings me immense joy. It is not only a successful project but also a healthy space for people, animals and plants.
What benefits have you experienced so far?
Central Market PIK has been operational for a year now. Whilst buildings generally depreciate, landscapes appreciate in value. A well-maintained landscape ensures that a property ages gracefully. For instance, our Lee Kwan Yew plant (Vernonia elliptica), affectionately called the ‘green hair’ of Central Market PIK, grows more beautiful over time. Our gardens are becoming increasingly lush. My message is clear: invest in green, both in development and finance.
How about the next green projects in your pipeline?
I want to challenge our team to measure the carbon savings from construction and strive for further reductions during operation. There are successful examples in Singapore, and I believe we can achieve similar results here with increased effort.
Our next ambitious project is the Orange Grove district, a mixed-use development featuring residential units, offices, hotels, and our newest addition, the Orange Grove Retail Compound. This will create a complete ecosystem, with a focus on green and sustainable living.
We plan to introduce a unique 20-key cabin concept for alternative lodging, a first of its kind in Jakarta. Also, we will develop a 500-room apartment complex, comprising mostly two- bedroom and three-bedroom units, with a focus on green philosophies, incorporating low-carbon materials and environmentally conscious design, similar to what we achieved with Central Market PIK.
Our goal is to create the first truly sustainable residential complex in Jakarta. This will include a water treatment system allowing residents to drink directly from the tap, reducing reliance on bottled water. We also aim to enhance our use of solar panels, following their success in reducing costs by 15 per cent at Land’s End.
What is the timeline for these projects?
We are currently launching the apartment phase, with a target completion date of 2026. The office and hotel phases will follow. I am spending considerable time at Orange Grove, where the environment itself is already inspiring. We have received positive feedback, especially regarding the greenbelt. We aim to complete the MICE facilities by 2027-2028.