Born and spending part of her childhood in Lampung, Selphie Bong had no hesitation about establishing a Marriott hotel in the province. The CEO of Tarika Nirmana Hurun, the development company behind Lampung Marriott Resort and Spa, shared her journey in creating a premier resort in the secluded beauty of the area.
Why did you choose to open a luxury resort in Hurun Village, Lampung?
Lampung is home to me. I grew up surrounded by its stunning natural beauty, from vast rice fields to vibrant marine life. The idea came from my father, Pak Sutomo, the founder of this project. He was captivated by Hurun Bay and visited it regularly, even when access was difficult. It takes 30 minutes of trekking or swimming a kilometre to get there. Former Maritime Affairs Minister Susi Pudjiastuti also contributed to the area’s biodiversity by releasing rescued wildlife, turning it into a sanctuary.
What started as two family villas has grown into a resort with 162 rooms, a 1,200-square-metre ballroom, nine villas, and three F&B outlets. This transformation reflects our commitment to preserving and sharing Lampung’s natural beauty with others.
Why partner with Marriott for hotel management?
We wanted a partner who shared our vision. Marriott saw the potential and agreed to help us position the resort for global recognition through its Bonvoy network.
This is your first hotel project. How has the journey been?
Building the hotel was easier than managing it. Operating a resort comes with daily challenges that require quick decisions and resilience. I’ve learnt to embrace risks and take responsibility for every choice. As the owner and leader, I need to stay fully committed to the vision we’re creating.
What are your plans for the resort’s future?
Our immediate focus is on strengthening the resort’s foundation. At the same time, we want to support Hurun Village. One idea is to establish a local market that benefits the community economically while enhancing the guest experience.
We also recently acquired one of Lampung’s last Japanese pearl farms, a legacy from the 1980s. We’re planning to develop it into a cultural attraction where guests can learn about pearl farming and explore this unique aspect of Lampung’s heritage.
Our goal is to create more than just a resort. We want to foster a deeper connection between our guests and the rich spirit of Lampung.