Indonesia’s PEOs and PCOs are weathering the current period of economic headwinds and government budget efficiencies by doubling down on specialisation and strategic value creation, said industry players at the Indonesia Business Events Forum (IBEF) Expo 2025 held in Jakarta recently.
The approach of Spectindo, for instance, centres on its strong network. The company leverages its direct link with the Indonesian Retail and Shopping Centre Association (HIPPINDO), which funnels potential opportunities directly to them. This alliance is crucial for maintaining flagship events like the Indonesia Retail Summit, and Jakarta International Investment, Trade, Tourism, and SME Expo.
Tubagus Raldi, sales manager at Spectindo, said: “When there is a potential partnership or collaboration, usually HIPPINDO will come to us first. We facilitate everything from member gatherings to large-scale exposure, ensuring that each activity supports the retail ecosystem.”
Similarly, Amara Group focuses on strengthening its industry-specific subsidiaries, emphasising a consultant-style relationship with clients.
Raymond Zein, operations manager at Mahala Kreasi, highlighted Amara Group’s shift from being a mere space vendor to an embedded partner.
“Instead of simply selling exhibition space, we offer end-to-end support, from booth design and visitor access concepts to effective brand messaging strategies,” Zein stated, underscoring their commitment to maximising client ROI at other major shows.
Meanwhile, diversification is the primary engine for MEdiatama, which is aggressively targeting 30 events in 2026, up from 25 this year. While managing expos like Inacraft (billed as the largest handicraft exhibition in Indonesia), the company has successfully expanded its client bases to include corporate anniversaries and creative production projects. Their client base now includes a strong showing from State-Owned Enterprises and corporate brands, particularly in the banking sector.
Meanwhile, Okta Sejahtera Insani relies on a strong product legacy, continuing its decades-long tradition with the Hospital Expo series. Its general manager, Rika Susanti, confirmed the event’s expansion from Jakarta, Medan, and Surabaya to include Bali next year, with aspirations to eventually reach Makassar.
While organisers acknowledged that economic pressures have led some exhibitors to reduce their booth footprints instead of cancelling, the need for face-to-face networking remains consistent. This sentiment was echoed by visitors like Lima Event Indonesia’s Zaky Ramadhan, who used IBEF to secure promising contacts in support sectors like ticketing, contractors, and cargo.
