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Contributing to Indonesia's Future with Japanese Craftsmanship SHIMIZU Premium Interview 2
From the touchless toilet flush, efficient water usage flushing system to easy-to-clean designs, these are all the result of TOTO’s continuous innovation regarding its products.
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Japanese Craftsmanship
Did you know that there are various kinds of technologies hidden within a toilet?
From the touchless toilet flush, efficient water usage flushing system to easy-to-clean designs, these are all the result of TOTO’s continuous innovation regarding its products.
At the base of it all lies the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship and TOTO’s continual strive for perfection, driven by their commitment to improve the standard of living across the world.
That is why TOTO has become one of the most trusted global manufacturers of bathroom products.
“In 2016, we decided to build a new headquarter with a showroom and a technical center inside, and we wanted it to be the number one showroom in Indonesia,” recalls Hanafi Atmadiredja, President Director of Surya TOTO.
He continued with, “It was only natural for us to reach out to Shimizu Corporation, one of the biggest construction companies in Japan, which is known for its craftsmanship.”
To meet Surya TOTO’s expectations, Shimizu’s group company, Field Four Design Office, was involved in the project from the very beginning. They were given with the opportunity to design the entrance and the showroom, successfully realizing “a space evoking a rich experience of life that is produced by clean water.” Their design managed to harmonize not only the different cultures of Indonesia and Japan, but also the different building materials and technologies.
“This was a challenging project for Shimizu and Field Four Design Office in terms of technical issues, both exterior and interior, but we overcame every challenge utilizing the knowledge and expertise from our other preceding high-rise projects,” explained Akiyama Kohei, Chief Representative of Shimizu Jakarta office.
The project was completed on time with zero accidents in 2018, and today, the building stands tall in the center of Jakarta representing TOTO’s identity.
You can freely visit TOTO’s Showroom and Technical Center*, located in the headquarters of PT Surya TOTO Indonesia (Surya TOTO) on Jalan Letjen S Parman Kav. 81, Jakarta Barat 11420.
When you enter the building, the cool and refreshing entrance decorated in blue welcomes you. Then, the elegant escalator running along the walls expressing “the light from flowing water”, takes you to the upper levels. You will be entertained from the beginning till the end, as the TOTO Showroom is more like a museum than a typical showroom.
As you discover TOTO’s technologies, your perspective regarding toilets and the way you experience the bathroom might completely change. It can also be a great opportunity to learn about the importance of sanitation and hygiene in everyday life.
*TOTO Showroom is under partial renovation until the end of October 2023
Surya TOTO’s Journey and Mission
Surya TOTO’s journey in Indonesia began 55 years ago, where in 1968, PT Surya Pertiwi Tbk (SPTO) started selling bathroom products as the sole agent of TOTO Japan. After a successful decade of operations, the time came for the company to take the next step and start manufacturing TOTO products in Indonesia, which became TOTO’s first ever overseas factory.
During the past 45 years, Surya TOTO has greatly expanded its business along with Indonesia’s growth. However, no matter how much the business grows, there is one thing that has never changed and never will.
Surya TOTO’s unwavering to raise the standard of living in Indonesia through hygiene and sanitation.
“When we first started, we only had one toilet model which most people could not afford. As local mass production has enabled the prices to come down, and with over 200 different types of models in our catalog today, I hope that everyone can find what best fits them,” Hanafi commented.
The Future
Shimizu Corporation is also continually striving to be an essential company for the people and country of Indonesia, contributing in terms of infrastructure such as MRT, and construction of buildings and factories with the spirit of Master Builder. In addition to its core construction business, it has recently been stepping up its real estate development efforts.
In a sense, the collaboration between Surya TOTO and Shimizu Corporation symbolizes the collaboration between Indonesia and Japan. Hanafi, an Indonesian leader once worked in Japan, and Akiyama, a Japanese leader currently working in Indonesia are both aspiring to contribute to the Indonesia’s future with Japanese craftsmanship.
Akiyama concluded the interview saying, “We would like to stay as a trusted partner of Surya TOTO and Mr. Hanafi, and I hope our partnership will only get stronger as time goes by.”
For more information regarding Shimizu Corporation, enter the link below https://www.shimz.co.jp/en/
