Already host to many regional conferences and government events, it is now widening its reach to other sources and sectors.
The Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Department has reason to be optimistic. Earlier this year, FCM Meetings & Events reported receiving more bookings for Jakarta than Bali.
“With world-class venues, exceptional and diverse accommodation and dining options, Jakarta offers the ideal backdrop for successful conferences and events. Jakarta’s unique blend of culture and business sophistication will elevate the MICE experience,” said Andhika Permata, head of Jakarta Tourism.
Business events with 500 delegates attending for at least three days receive support in kind. This ranges from souvenir T-shirts, hats and goodie bags to banquet, city tour and transportation for VIP delegations. Familiarisation trips offer accommodation and a Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) tour with a hosted meal.
Divided into five districts, the sprawling metropolis suffers ubiquitous traffic jams, so meetings are often based in a convenient location, such as Central Jakarta where many upscale hotels and attractions are situated.
Many luxury and five-star hotels in Senayan, Kuningan and Sudirman central business districts have huge ballrooms and smaller meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 30 to 3,000 pax. However, corporate meetings and incentives are often in the 100 to 500-pax range.
Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), in Senayan, was recently renovated with architectural improvements incorporating Indonesian cultural elements. The expanded Jakarta International Expo in revitalised Kemayoran is strong on exhibitions and conventions.
Greater Jakarta venue options include Indonesia Convention Exhibition in Tangerang and Sentul International Convention Centre in Bogor.
While Jakarta offers myriad activities and attractions, post-meeting and incentive tours to Bogor, Bandung and Kepulauan Seribu – such as Bidadari and Macan – will enhance the Indonesian experience. The new Jakarta-Bandung Whoosh high-speed train cuts travelling time between the two cities to one hour.
