Jakarta: address book

Identity card

Formalities A passport valid for more than six months and the purchase of a visa on arrival, valid for 30 days (35 US$).

Currency Currency: the rupee (IDR). 1 euro = IDR 12,212 (Nov. 2014).

Area code + 62 (Indonesia); 21 (Jakarta).  

Time difference 5 h (summer), - 6 h (winter).

How to get there

Air France has been operating a daily service to Jakarta since July, with a stop-over in Singapore. After a break at Changi airport, passengers return to the same plane and... the same seat. The major advantage is that this night flight reaches Jakarta at the end of the day, minimising the inconvenience of jet lag. After New York last June, Singapore and Jakarta are gradually being served by Boeing 777-300s equipped with brand new cabins, which will be in place until the end of December 2014. The aircraft features the new La Première Suite and a Business class with redesigned comfort and a curved design. The new seat, which converts into a completely flat bed, offers direct access to the aisle, regardless of seat position. This seat is also a private bubble, providing absolute isolation during the journey. As a gift, you'll receive pretty, colourful kits containing Clarins beauty products, soft sleep masks, etc.

Tel: 36 54 or +33 (0)892 70 26 54. Internet: www.airfrance.fr

Singapore Airlines (SIA)the famous Singaporean airline, operates a daily flight from Paris to Jakarta with a stopover in the City-State.

43, rue Boissière. 75016 Paris. Tel: 0821 230 380 (€0.12/min). Internet: www.singaporeair.fr

Hotels

Grand Hyatt Jakarta

It is one of the institutions of the Indonesian capital. Opened in 1991, the Grand Hyatt and its princely lobby symbolise luxury and exceptional quality of service. Its 428 rooms are continually renovated to keep them at the cutting edge, with those on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd floors also offering access to the beautiful Club Lounge. Business travellers will be delighted to be able to request concierge, secretarial and even translation services, day or night. Among the Grand Hyatt's seven gastronomic options, the Seafood Terrace offers al fresco dining by the beautiful pool, and the Steak House is masterfully run by a young American chef. A little buzz in the corridors for discerning design fans: a Park Hyatt is due to open in Jakarta in the next few years...

Jalan M. H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30. Tel: +62 21 2992 1234. Email: jakarta.grand@hyatt.com Internet: www.jakarta.grand.hyatt.com

Pullman Thamrin CDB

US$15 million was invested in renovating this sublime hotel on Avenue Thamrin, Jakarta's main thoroughfare. Following the work, it has become the second Pullman in the Indonesian capital, joining the delightful Pullman Central Park. This 427-bedroom hotel in the Accor group's business chain is luxurious and contemporary, although very much steeped in traditional local decorative details. Situated at the foot of the famous Grand Indonesia mall, in Jakarta's business district and close to the French embassy, it has plenty of meeting and conference rooms, as well as beautiful relaxation areas with a spa and outdoor pool shaded by wisteria and frangipani trees.

Jalan M.H. Thamrin 59 - Tel: +62 21 3192 1111 - Email: H8491@accor.com Internet: www.pullmanhotels.com

The Hermitage

I fell in love with this hotel, which opened in June 2014 in a splendid 1923 colonial building that was once President Soekarno's HQ. So beautiful, so intimate, so respectful of the original Art Deco elegance that it was immediately included in the Leading Hotels of the World. In all, 90 stellar rooms and a rooftop swimming pool. As night falls, the place transforms into a chic bar with panoramic views of the skyline and the Menteng district.

Jalan Cilacap 1, Menteng - Tel: +62 21 3192 6888 or 00800 10 10 11 11 (lhw) Email: info@hermitage.co.id Internet: www.lhw.com

Four Seasons Jakarta

Tropical gardens and lots of light for this luxury Canadian embassy located in the heart of the business district, like all the city's major hotels. Its spa is said by Jakarta enthusiasts to be one of the most marvellous in the entire capital. In all, 320 rooms on 17 floors.

Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said - Tel: +62 21 252 3456 - Fax: +62 21 252 4480 Internet: www.fourseasons.com

Shangri-LA

Despite its large size and 661 rooms in the vibrant heart of the city, this hotel exudes tranquillity, surrounded by an oasis of greenery where a small white mosque hides. A great business hotel, with plenty of charm and freshness.

Kota BNI Jalan Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1 Tel: +62 21 2922 9999. Email: slj@shangri-la.com Internet: www.shangri-la.com

Other major business hotels

Le Méridien Jakarta

Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, Kav 18 - 20. Tel: +62 21 251 3131 - Email: Reservation.Jakarta@lemeridien.com Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com

Mandarin Oriental Jakarta

Jl. M.H. Thamrin - Tel: +62 21 2993 8888 Email: mojkt-enquiries@mohg.com Internet: www.mandarinoriental.com

Hotel Indonesia Kempinski

Jl. MH Thamrin 1 - Tel: +62 21 2358 3800 - Internet: www.kempinski.com

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta Mega Kuningan

Jl. DR. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Kav.E.1.1 no.1, Mega Kuningan. Tel: +62 21 2551 8888 Email: rc.jktrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com Internet: www.ritzcarlton.com

Gran Melia Jakarta

Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav X-0 - Kuningan. Tel: +62 21 5268080. Email: info@granmeliajakarta.com Internet: www.melia.com

Budget hotels

Alila Jakarta

Located just a stone's throw from Thamrin Avenue, the Alila Hotel, a member of the Design Hotels family since it opened thirteen years ago, is the perfect option for a business trip at a very reasonable price, or even for a long-term stay. This four-star hotel with 246 rooms boasts an Executive Lounge on the 7th floor, a splendid outdoor swimming pool and, above all, all the services you need for a business trip. These range from touching up a hemline to organising a meeting in one of the many meeting rooms or booking a plane ticket. Among the restaurants, the Shanghai Storm offers small lounges for private dinners.

Jl. Pecenongan Kav 7-17. Tel: +62 21 231 6008. Email: jakarta@alilahotels.com Internet: www.alilahotels.com/jakarta

Novotel Jakarta Mannga Dua Square

In the Chinatown district, not far from the business centre, the French brand offers business stays in familiar territory. At light prices.

Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya 1 - Tel: +62 21 6231 2800 - Email: H5704-RE@accor.com - Internet: novoteljakartamanggaduasquare.com

Restaurants

Dharmawangsa

With our heads caught in the hustle and bustle of the megalopolis and its monster traffic jams, we finally get a miracle. You enter an Eden of ancient Javanese royal houses lit up in the night. The beauty, the freshness, the lush gardens, the ancient woodwork, the carved ceilings... It's all magical, right down to the dishes with names you can't remember, the refreshing lemongrass jellies, the sweet cassava cakes and the melt-in-your-mouth coconut desserts served straight from the fruit. You'll be sorry to leave this sublime place, which only opened a few months ago.

Jl. Dharmawangsa Raya 6 - Tel: +62 21 290 44 167 - Email: reservations@ platarandharmawangsa.com Internet: www.plataran.com

Potatoe Head

This restaurant, one of the capital's trendiest, has taken on a fabulous challenge in Jakarta: that of a terrace opening onto the street. Fortunately, it is elevated and well protected from traffic by a multitude of green plants. Part of the chic Pacific Place mall, Potatoe Head attracts elegant diners, as well as those who like their business meals al fresco. The others retreat to the air-conditioned interior. The menu is very Italian. Perfect for an informal lunch.

Pacific Place Mall G 51A SCBD - Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53 - Tel: +62 21 5797 3322 - Email: reservation@ptthead.com Internet: www.ptthead.com

Historia

A colonial building from the 1900s, brick walls covered with humorous frescoes by a local artist inspired by the works of Johannes Rach, an 18th-century Danish painter. This hip Indonesian restaurant attracts a young, international clientele. The waiters are stylish, wearing sailors' jackets and Converse shoes, but the Gado Gado and Nasi Goreng are delicious and cost just a handful of euros. This is truly a fine address, opened in September in the rejuvenated Kota district.

Jl. Pintu Besar Utara 11. Tel: +62 21 690 4188 Email: historia.jakarta@gmail.com Internet: www.historia-jakarta.com

Amuz

Nostalgic fans and fans of French gastronomy will want to head to the restaurant run by Alsatian chef Gilles Marx, who knows all about blending French and Indonesian flavours. A very elegant and refined table.

2nd floor, Energy Building, SCBD 11 A, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman 52-53. Tel: +62 21 250 5064 - Email: Cheffounder@amuzgourmet.com Internet: amuzgourmet.com

C'S Steak House and Seafood Restaurant

This steakhouse and seafood specialist has been selling out for twelve years, sourcing its ingredients from small local producers, although the beef comes mainly from Australia and the United States. The atmosphere is chic but relaxed. The place is ideal for a business dinner.

Jl. M. H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30. Tel: +62 21 2992 1234. Email: jakarta.grand@hyatt.com Internet: www.jakarta.grand.hyatt.com

Business centre

Regus

Jakarta Menara BCA Grand Indonesia. 50th Floor Regus Grand Indonesia, Menara BCA, JI.M.H. Thamrin N0.1. Tel: +62 21 23584400 Internet: www.en.regus.co.id

Information

Indonesian French Chamber of Commerce

Jl. Wijaya II No. 36 - Tel: +62 21 739 7161 - Email: contacts@ifcci.com Internet: www.ifcci.com

UbiFrance Jakarta

Ambassade de France en Indonésie Bureau UbiFrance de Jakarta. Jl. Wijaya II No. 36 - Tel: +62 21 2953 2300 Email: jakarta@ubifrance.fr Internet: www.ubifrance.fr/indonesie

Tourist Office of Indonesia in France

c/o Interface Tourism. 16, rue Ballu. 75009 Paris - Tel: +33 1 53 25 12 10 Email: indonesie@interfacetourism.com Internet: www.tourisme-indonesie.fr

Practical guides

Jakarta, Wallpaper, Phaïdon City Guide (2012)

Indonesia, Lonely Planet (2013)

Bali, Lombok + Borobodur, Prambanan and the volcanoes of Java, Le Routard, Hachette (2014)