Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism will introduce new incentive tour packages in Jakarta to change planners perception of the capital city and position the destination as a leading option in South-east Asia.
The packages will include teambuilding experiences in the Kota Tua (Old Town) district, such as heritage-focused Amazing Race-type games and walking tours from Chinatown to the Sunda Kelapa old harbour. Planners can also design treasure hunts and races using public transportation or host cultural events in the newly transformed Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Mini Indonesia).
Firnandi Gufron, director of MICE at the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, pointed out possibilities of using museums in Kota Tua as unique event venues – Fatahillah Museum, Mandiri Museum, and Maritime Museum can be used for gala dinners or other social functions.
“There is also Ancol (a theme park) and the Pantai Indah Kapuk area (a new hot spot) for events with a beach atmosphere, or Hutan Kota (city forest) in Senayan for nature-themed activities,” he said.
He said event attendees in Jakarta can enjoy island life and visit historical and cultural sites on their leisure time or as a post-event tour.
“Furthermore, Jakarta’s nightlife and entertainment spots are among the best in the region,” he added.
Industry players told TTGmice that the government’s introduction of Jakarta’s charms must be paired with collaboration with incentive houses and event planners to be successful.
Harry Dwi Nugraha, founder of EGO Global Asia, said: “The fundamental problem with Jakarta is promotion, and the easiest and cheapest way to promote the city is to collaborate with industry players. The government, for example, can provide product knowledge or create a directory of contacts for events at museums or other tourist attractions.”
Heben Ezer, head of inbound and domestic tour division, Association of Indonesian Travel Agents, urged the government to promote the Thousand Islands, a chain of islands to the north of Jakarta’s coast, which has escaped the attention of most corporate event planners.
