Indonesian labour for export

Singapore - Indonesia has the potential to be a source for skilled workers in the international hotel industry, according to general manager of Shangri-la Jakarta, Coen Masselink.

With Macau and Qatar opening new hotels, they are likely to import labour from countries such as Indonesia. Masselink sees this as a good developing ground for Indonesians who will later take their international experience and exposure back to the country.

On a domestic level, Maaselink believes that other than offering attractive salary and taking good care of the welfare of their staff, it is also important to give their staff opportunities to develop and groom talent from within.

On a talent development level, Shangri-la Jakarta promotes not only within a single department or section, but across departments as well, especially during the early stage of a career. In an interview with Human Resources in Singapore Maaselink said, “We try to move people from different sections so they get a better understanding of the whole hotel and then also gives some flexibility to the organisation if we are in need in one section.”

The company also faces difficulty in placing employees in some sectors, such as kitchen staff although this is not unique to Jakarta alone. It is becoming increasingly challenging to find good qualifies cooks and chefs, even in Europe. Maaselink explained this is because experience is essential for kitchen positions, considering the many different restaurants and cuisines that Shangri-la deals with. 

Shangri-la Jakarta is also looking to link up with good hotel schools to grow its talent pool.