WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke with Julian Brownlie, a pioneering foreign investor in Indonesia, about his experience investing across various real estate markets, and Bali's property sector. 

How did you get into the industry of real estate in Indonesia?

I first came to visit Bali in 1998. Staying at a friends Villa, Villa Lumbung in Seminyak. In those days we would walk past the rice paddies down the quiet streets to La Luciola. He showed me a beachfront block that was for sale and he believed was a great investment. I ummed and ahhed but had a good gut instinct on it. I made an offer that was accepted but ultimately I got cold feet and decided against it. That block today is KUDETA. It was a very good lesson. That trip was also my first time visiting Flores, Labuan Bajo and Komodo.

Having sold a business in 2010 I was allowed the freedom to choose what I wanted to do next. I decided it was time to return and look seriously at Flores. Basing myself in Bali I spent that year exploring Flores and the islands. Meeting with the local people and the government it was clear that they had an ambition for growth. The discussion of a new airport convinced me it was the right time to invest. I had learnt my lesson in Bali. This time I was not going to miss the opportunity.

What are some of your career highlights from your time in the industry so far? 

Securing Alila for the management and marketing for Alila Komodo on our 13-hectare waterfront hotel, Ocean and coral reef club site at the base of our residential Villa development. 

What are the biggest issues facing the industry in general in your market at the moment?

Step lightly. Protecting the stunning nature and the asset it represents. Our world is filling up, and unsullied destinations are at a premium. I believe that by valuing nature, and taking active steps to preserve what is there and restore what has been lost, you can enhance the visitor experience. This will lead not only to high brand value but preserve our natural heritage for generations to come. Rubbish, plastic pollution is a significant challenge and we need sustained government support, education and a clear message and strategy that needs implementing now. 

What changes would you like to see over the next two to five years in the market?

The changes are already happening. In the last 2 years, the change is measurable. There is real opportunity to work with the national and local governments in the Beyond Bali initiatives. The investment in the Wonderful Indonesia campaign internationally and the opening up and encouragement of international investment and the major infrastructure investments has paved the way for the market in the next five years. I think there is a very positive outlook for Indonesia. Our partnering with The world bank in our social housing programmes, in particular, is I believe the key to hand in hand sustainable development and management. 

Where would your next investment in Indonesia be if you were to invest in real estate?

I believe Bali and Flores are only the beginnings of Indonesia’s vast potential as tourist destinations.  I see opportunities opening up in Sulawesi, Timor, Papua and other frontier destinations.

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