Indonesian Champion of the Diageo World Class Competition

It was in 2014 that I became the Indonesia Champion of the Diageo World Class competition... It was life changing
Tell us your story – how did you get here?
Since high school, I always wanted to be a bartender. Seeing bartenders making drinks… They looked so cool! I started my career as a flair bartender in 2006 in a restaurant called Venue at the Moon. Then I worked behind the bar at W Bali –Seminyak from 2010, and then Bikini Restaurant in 2017. Now, I work for Project Black.
In 2009, I joined a bartending competition for the first time, and I became addicted to the world of competitions. In total, I’ve competed on 14 stages, but the biggest competition that I joined was the Diageo World Class in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 – four years in a row! It was in 2014 that I became the Indonesia Champion of the Diageo World Class competition, which was held in Singapore. That’s my biggest achievement – it was life changing, and I made a lot of friends from all over Indonesia and from overseas with the same role behind the bar.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Working as the group’s head mixologist in Project Black.
What impact have you made in Bali?
Honestly, after the pandemic hit Bali so hard, so many things changed in Bali. Bali is now back on track, with so many bars opening and of course, many new bartenders arriving as well. I like to think that I inspire bartenders to make good cocktails from natural ingredients, using the techniques that I love the most, all while inspiring new generations through my social media.
What does the future look like for you?
From a bar scene perspective, Bali is always growing. We’re always learning something new and we need to keep the standards up by serving good drinks and providing great service. But for Bali in general, I think it will continue to be the best destination in the world.
What do you love most about Bali?
The people, the culture, the traditions. People always come back to Bali because they feel it. And Bali always chooses the ones who get to stay on this island.
What makes the perfect drink, and why?
The perfect drink for me depends on the occasion, the timing, the right ingredients and the amount. Balance is key, and of course, the bartending service makes a big difference too. It has to be the right vibe, in the right place.
Who is your Local Legend and why?
Dewa Bintara – this guy is always genuine, and he always has a great attitude towards the community.
Gogon, because he really loves Bali, and as a musician, he’s very loud in campaigning to keep Bali clean.