The highest-paying hospitality jobs in Indonesia

Intro

The hospitality sector plays a key part in Indonesia's economic play, contributing over 2% to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The tourism industry lends its support to the hospitality sector, accounting for over 60% of its total revenue. In a big tick up compared to the gloomy days of 2020, tourists who visited Indonesia in 2021 reached 17 million and the Indonesian government has set itself targets, shooting for 20 million international tourist arrivals by 2024.

Segments within the Hospitality Industry

The hotel industry is the big dog in the hospitality sector in Indonesia, chipping in more than 50% of total revenue, followed by the restaurants (30%) and the travel agencies (10%). According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), occupancy rate of star-rated hotel rooms in Indonesia increased by 49.85% in May 2021 to May 2022. Likely due to the popularity of staycations, as people look to enjoy a vacation without having to leave their city or country.

What are the highest-paying jobs in the hospitality industry in Indonesia?

According to a survey of salary data in the Food/Hospitality/Tourism/Catering sector in Indonesia, the average earnings of individuals in this sector range from 3,070,000 IDR (which comes in at around $200) (lowest average) to 22,600,000 IDR (all the way up to $1500, that’s a pretty wide range).

The actual list of top-rated hospitality jobs in Indonesia can reshuffle year on year, but most usually includes:

Hotel General Manager

The Hotel General Manager is the orchestra conductor, if you like, behind the seamless operation of the entire hotel. In this position, the employer is responsible for all kinds of tasks from managing the front desk to overseeing housekeeping, food and beverage, and other departments.

To become a hotel general manager, you must have a bachelor's degree in hotel management or a related field, along with at least a few years of experience in the hospitality industry.

The average salary for a hotel general manager in Indonesia is around Rp. 250 million per year which is the highest wage in the industry, especially if those are hired by the big guns in Indonesia's hospitality scene such Marriott, AccorHotels, and IHG. These chains are peppered around the big cities and many provincial capitals across Indonesia and set the benchmark for quality service.

Director of Sales and Marketing

Director of sales and marketing takes center stage in driving hotel profits through room bookings, banquets, and premium services. Usually armed with a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field and years of hospitality experience, they tend to be paid around Rp. 150 million per year.

If you are looking for a Sales Director position in hospitality jobs in Indonesia, you can search around the international hotel chains like Hilton, Melia, and Hyatt and local contenders such as Aston Group and Harris Hotelsare can be spotted in bigger tourist areas including Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bali.

F&B Manager

The F&B manager is responsible for the food and beverage side of the hotel, including the restaurant, bar, and banquets. There’s a high demand for these specialists, especially in Jakarta and Bali where you’ll find events galore, all year round. Also requiring a relevant degree and the average salary would be around Rp. 10 million per month, depending on your education level and previous experience.

Where to find hospitality jobs in Indonesia

• Bali is one of Indonesia's most popular tourist destinations, known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife. Tourism is the bedrock for Bali's economy, attracting millions of vest-wearing, avocado-eating, ohm-chanting international visitors each year.

• Jakarta. As the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta also gets a decent rate of tourism. It serves as a major business and leisure hub, attracting business travelers and tourists interested in exploring its historical sites and even the more modern attractions.

• Yogyakarta: Yogyakarta, often referred to as "Jogja," is known to folks for its cultural heritage, including ancient temples such as Borobudur and Prambanan. The city's tourism industry relies on its cultural significance and traditional arts and crafts.

• West Java (Bandung). The city of Bandung in West Java is a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors. It is known for its cool climate (by Indonesia standards), picturesque landscapes, and shopping outlets, making it a preferred choice for weekend getaways.

• East Java (Surabaya). Surabaya, the second-largest city in Indonesia, is the checkpoint to pass through for Insta-famous spots, including Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater. Its has both a strategic location and historical significance going for it.

• North Sumatra (Medan). Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, is a fairly common starting point for tourists visiting Lake Toba, one of the largest volcanic lakes in the world. The region's natural beauty and cultural heritage is where those in the know about nature love to go.

• Lombok: Lombok, an island located next to Bali, is fast coming up the inside lane on Bali, as the hashtags get worn out and people want to discover a more authentic vibe, it’s a solid alternative. It's got pristine beaches, waterfalls, and trekking options (all of which are gone/going in Bali) and it really makes it an attractive choice for nature enthusiasts.

• Riau Islands (Bintan) are a popular destination for beach chill-with-a-book-and-do-nothing-for-a-week type vacations and water sports activities. It's close to the well known champion of airport transit, Singapore Changi, which has put it on a solid flight path and helped drive more curious tourists.