Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy recently conducted a media fam trip to Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya which highlighted the country’s many destinations suitable for business events.
Firnandi Gufron, director of MICE at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE), explained that as Bali is already established as a world-renowned business events destination, it was time to “develop new rising stars”.
“Of the 10 national MICE destinations, Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya are the most suitable destinations with the potential to attract business events from South-east Asia.”
Firnandi suggested that combining two destinations in a single trip, such as Jakarta-Bandung or Surabaya-Mount Bromo, could be a great option for corporate travellers.
A trip to Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest economic centre, offers a blend of business and leisure. The city boasts two prominent convention centres, Dyandra Convention Center and Grand City Convex Surabaya, and itineraries could be combined with a sunrise tour of Mount Bromo.
Meanwhile, activities in Bandung can be combined with a Jakarta visit, thanks to a high-speed train connection. Historical sites like the Merdeka Building, a venue for the 1955 Asia-African Conference, and Gedung Sate, the iconic West Java Governor Office, can easily be visited as well.
Bandung also offers a variety of business event facilities, including Plataran Bandung, Intercontinental Dago Pakar Bandung, and Trans Luxury Hotel Bandung.
Over in Jakarta, Gelora Bung Karno Complex, Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta Convention Center, and the upcoming Nusantara International Convention and Exhibition (NICE), would be suitable for larger-scale events.
Immersive cultural experiences suitable for corporates include exploring Jakarta’s Old Town, which includes unique venues like Museum Fatahillah and Museum Wayang which can also be bought out for events. Other interesting event venues include Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a cultural park with Jagat Satwa Nusantara, an animal conservation centre that also boasts venues for meetings and small conferences.
