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IN AN industry often dominated by multinational players, Nakula stands out as a proudly Indonesian hospitality management company built on local talent, shared success and long-term sustainability.
The Bali-headquartered company, which recently celebrated its 12th anniversary, is staffed entirely by over 80 Indonesian team members and manages a growing portfolio of over 70 luxury villas, villa complexes and boutique hotels across the island.
“We are proud to be a company built by Indonesians because we believe that sustainable growth starts at home,” said Christian Sunjoto, CEO of Nakula.
Nakula offers a high-performance approach to property management, with a profit-sharing structure that sets it apart from traditional top-line models. By aligning its fees with net profits rather than top-line revenue, Nakula ensures that its success is directly tied to the success of each property owner.
“This model drives performance and transparency. We don’t grow if our partners don’t grow. That’s why we work closely with property owners to make every operational decision count, from pricing strategy to staffing to guest experience,” Christian added.
He explained that unlike many regional operators who manage properties remotely, Nakula’s entire team is based in Bali, giving them a strategic advantage in speed, insight and adaptability. Because we’re on the ground, we know what’s trending, what’s changing, and how to move quickly.
“We can get a new villa on board and up and running in as little as two weeks, where others might take months. This agility is supported by Nakula’s fully in-house operations, including marketing, guest services, and an innovative property management system that gives owners real-time access to performance data and insights,” he affirmed.
At the heart of Nakula’s approach is a commitment to hiring and developing local talent. By training from within and working closely with local communities, the company delivers exceptional service while strengthening Bali’s economy.
“As long as our company is profitable, my ultimate goal is to be the market leader and provide as many well-paying jobs for local people as possible. Hopefully, others in the industry will follow suit and do the same,” said Christian.
Nakula’s sustainability initiatives reflect its belief that responsible practices should be the norm, not the exception. The company’s efforts span the environmental, social and cultural spheres, inspired by Bali’s Hindu philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between people, the planet and the spiritual realm. Environmentally, Nakula has eliminated single-use plastics, introduced eco-friendly amenities, and adopted energy-saving technologies such as solar panels and wastewater recycling systems.
The company’s flagship boutique hotel, Amarta Beach Retreat in Tabanan, showcases these efforts through green architecture and eco-friendly operations. Socially and culturally, Nakula works with local artist communities, tourism institutes and educational programs to support Balinese heritage and the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Twelve years later, Nakula continues to lead with quiet confidence. “If we’re profitable, let’s use that to create jobs and help people send their kids to school. That’s success to me,” Christian added.
He concluded that Nakula, with its people-first approach and long-term vision, is creating exceptional guest experiences while shaping the future of homegrown, responsible and impactful hospitality in Bali. [traveltext.id]
