Co-founder of Pulau Projects
I am always looking to develop and grow my teams, to see each team member personally expanding.
Tell us your story – how did you get here?
I am Balinese, born and raised in a small village in the West of Bali. Music, culture and art has heavily influenced me my whole life, and it’s still what I am most drawn to. I am so lucky that all the work I am doing now is linked to these areas. In terms of my career and personal growth, a big part of my journey is down to my curious nature.
Over the past decade, I have gained enormous experience and insight into Bali’s hospitality industry, and after seeing the same problem happening over and over again, one thing became clear: there’s always been problems in the “human resources” department. So, last year, myself and my business partner Windu Tenaya decided to create a hospitality management brand called Pulau Projects – a platform for business owners, venues and brands to make their life easier and solve this “human resources” issue.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Most recently, we opened Yuki’s Uluwatu venue, a partnership with our Pulau Projects hospitality. We opened in August 2023, planning and building a 160-seat capacity restaurant in eight months. It was magical to see everything come together, and the team is so excited about the new location. It’s been a rewarding project. I’m really proud of how that has turned out, and we’ve only just begun.
What impact have you made in Bali?
Our brand’s core value has always been to focus on “people”. I am always looking to develop and grow my teams, to see each team member personally expanding. So, my impact is the ongoing development of my teams and helping the communities in Bali.
At Yuki we raised money through hosting some events at our Canggu restaurant, and our Yuki friends and family really showed up. We were able to donate two homes to underprivileged families in North Bali. It was super emotional to witness the direct impact of our efforts to give back. As a team we were so moved by the experience, and have decided to organise these community fundraising events twice a year. The next event will be in December 2023 in Yuki Uluwatu, and we hope to see you there!
What does the future look like for you?
After six years building properties “on the side”, I’ve recently launched a boutique property development and management brand called POLA Developments. We’re bringing together art, design and craftsmanship to island living, as well as a thoughtful and culture-led approach to real estate. Another venture with people and community at the core. We’re exploring sustainable initiatives and practices, and so far we’re partnering with Ecocrete to build more sustainably using recycled waste blocks, and Ecollabo8 who recycle and upcycle Bali’s plastic waste to create worktops, furniture and more. I’m pretty optimistic about future development in Indonesia as more opportunities and solutions come from innovative companies such as these.
What do you love most about Bali?
The freedom, multicultural mix and creativity really inspires me. There’s so much to see, do and learn here.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
I’d like to have invested more in self-development from a younger age. There are so many amazing resources out there for expanding our minds.
Who is your Local Legend and why?
Hands down, Gary Bencheghib from Sungai Watch is a local legend. His practical initiatives for tackling the plastic emergency here in Bali, and what he’s doing to make the planet healthier, are amazing. I’m super thankful for him and what he’s doing for Indonesia.