W

ho hasn’t heard of Procon. The property consulting company has been around for 30 years now in
Indonesia.

“One can say that it is the first and until now the largest when compared even with similar foreign companies set up here,” said Lucy Rumantir, chief executive officer of Procon Group of Companies, Indonesia.

However, what is obvious is that the property sector is still an attractive business in Indonesia. With a population of 234.2 million in 2010 clearly there is an increasing need for homes in the country. Not only conventional homes, but also residences that can enhance one’s quality of life.

Modernization seems to be unavoidable in all sorts of development including in properties. It is here, said Lucy, a property consulting company like Procon plays a major role.

Procon, Lucy explained, was established in 1980 based on the mission and vision of the company founder, the late Budi Moeffreni, who saw great opportunities in the services that could be provided by a property consulting company.

Initially Procon served clients in the oil and energy business whose employees resided in Jakarta. But in line with the country’s rapid economic development the small team at Procon soon became a pioneer in the business of property consultancy in Indonesia.

In the early years Procon was in a partnership with British property consulting company Jones Lang Wotton, and the company’s business became more solid supported by local and foreign experts.

With its rapid progress and aggressive activities at that time Procon soon had 15 divisions and about 200 employees.

The company provided services for all types of commercial properties and also opened branches in Surabaya and Bali.

Due to its solid existence in Indonesia, especially in Jakarta, almost all major commercial projects along the city’s main streets, such as on Jl Sudirman, Jl. Thamrin and Jl. Rasuna Said, were handled by Procon.

“We handled all aspects, such as the feasibility study, marketing and property management as well,” said Lucy who has a Master’s degree in Business Administration majoring in marketing, from Hawaii, the United States.

Among the long list of prestigious projects handled by Procon are: Plaza Indonesia, Plaza Senayan, Plaza Lippo, Ratu Plaza, Bank Danamon Building (now Sampoerna Strategic Square), ATD Plaza, Graha Aktiva, Setiabudi Building I & II, the Indonesia Stock Exchange building and many more.

In the early 1990s Procon enjoyed further business opportunities one of which was pioneering the Occupier Advisory Services, representing the client in fulfilling requirements for offices and residences.

Procon was appointed by major multinationals for this service, such as Shell, Nestle, Conoco Philips and BCA for their office space.

This service also triggered the development of Jl. TB Simatupang in South Jakarta into an area that is now filled with office buildings that have been built to suit clients’ needs.

After 20 years Procon and Jones Lang Wotton, which changed its name to Jones Lang LaSalle, parted ways. Procon now makes available services that are divided into four main categories: Strategic Advisory Group, Occupier Services Group, Markets Group and Property Management Services Group. Each category is handled by a department that provides specific services as required by Procon’s clients. A new category and department has been recently launched early this year, the International Group.

This department provides services for customers and sellers of properties both in Indonesia and in selected international markets.

“Procon also helps foreigners to purchase properties in Indonesia with more focus on Bali, such as resort properties in Jimbaran-Uluwatu areas,” explained Lucy.

Meanwhile Procon also assists Indonesians who wish to purchase properties in foreign countries, such as in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, England, among other countries.

“For the foreign sellers Procon provides them with Indonesia Property and International Residential services,” said Lucy, who was appointed as the company’s CEO in April 2010.

Although only one year in the top position Lucy is actually not a new face in Procon. From 1994 until 2002 she held the position of director of PT Procon Indah.

When the company’s partnership with Jones Lang LaSalle was discontinued Lucy took the position of chairman of Jones Lang LaSalle from 2003 until 2010.

Lucy worked for a short time in Australia before she was reemployed by Procon.

The year 2010 was a difficult one because a number of professionals left Procon and the company experienced slow growth. Lucy was responsible for raising Procon’s performance to former heights.

She is primarily responsible for carrying out strategic plans and policies, overseeing the company’s operations and providing leadership to position the company at the forefront of the industry.

She is also responsible for providing strategic consultancy advice to the private and public sectors in Indonesia.

Lucy Rumantir brings to her position 16 years experience in the property industry, from marketing residential, commercial and industrial properties to providing strategic consultancy advice to investors and developers.

In November 2009, Lucy was listed as one of 99 most powerful women in Indonesia by Globe Asia Magazine.

Sitting on 84th position, she was the only one listed from the property consultancy business.

After operating for three decades Procon’s position is now more solid in property consultancy services. The company now has no less than 18 divisions with 250 professional staff.

“We are ready to develop further for the next 30 years by maintaining our high quality service and continued positive relationship with our clients,” she said.

“Our short term plan is to ensure that Procon remains a sustainable and profitable company and keeps its market leadership position,” added Lucy who is also chairperson of the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Property Service Department.