When it comes to meeting planning, the words “island” and “tropical” are powerful draws. Add a wide selection of upscale venues, diverse dining experiences, accessible parks, lively festivals and art, plus world-class entertainment, and Jakarta naturally emerges as a top choice for MICE organizers.
Jakarta ranks among the fastest-growing major cities and was classified as an Alpha Global City by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network in 2016 for its strong connectivity in accountancy, advertising, law and finance. Trade fairs are a major part of the city’s MICE offering; notable events scheduled in 2018 included the Indonesia Sport Expo & Forum (May 2–6), Inatronics (May 3–5), PowerGen & Renewable Energy Indonesia (May 3–5) and IBME Indonesia International Exhibition for Building Mechanical and Electrical (July 11–13).
“As the capital of Indonesia and the economic heart of Southeast Asia, Jakarta is the country’s hub for commerce and government,” says T. Marlene Danusutedjo, director of communications at Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta. “This vibrant city is complemented by an extensive range of shopping, dining and golfing options, along with numerous art galleries and museums.”
Restaurants have become especially popular as meeting venues, particularly those that showcase Javanese architecture and authentic Indonesian cuisine. Plataran Cilandak, for example, offers event spaces including a spacious, green outdoor terrace where native flora create a strong sense of place.
That focus on dining makes luxury hotels a natural choice for large MICE events. Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta benefits from a prime address and acclaimed restaurants and bars, making it well-suited for corporate gatherings.
Mandarin Oriental meeting room © MANDARIN ORIENTAL JAKARTA
“Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta occupies a central location at the iconic Welcome Monument Roundabout in Central Jakarta, providing an ideal setting for high-level business meetings,” Danusutedjo explains. Meeting and banquet facilities span the entire third floor with separate access for enhanced privacy and convenient VIP arrivals. A permanent breakout area offers delegates a private space with a comfortable, residential feel.
“All meeting rooms feature modern technology and are styled in a refined Southeast Asian theme enhanced by natural daylight,” she adds. “The escalators to this level are discreetly concealed behind a fretwork screen decorated with bold indigenous patterns.”
Other luxury properties offer impressive ballroom-style venues. The Segara Ballroom at The Dharmawangsa evokes the grandeur of an Indonesian mansion, while the Grand Ballroom at Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta can accommodate up to 3,000 guests beneath glittering crystal chandeliers. Kempinski’s Grand Ballroom also holds up to 3,000 people and offers direct access to Grand Indonesia Shopping Town.
For events that require expansive exhibition space, Jakarta Convention Center (commonly known as Balai Sidang Jakarta Convention Center) provides large facilities with high-tech sound, lighting and communications. In addition to meeting rooms and two major exhibition halls, the center offers dedicated catering and an in-house art department to design and build stages and décor.
The Executive Centre Jakarta, part of a leading regional network of office-space providers, supports the corporate market by locating and securing prestigious addresses for meetings of any size. Its offerings include modern productivity and communication tools as well as access to local business support services.
UNIQUE VENUES
For intimate corporate gatherings or a refined tea reception, Rumah Kartanegara offers an elegant setting. This private estate in South Jakarta accommodates up to 125 seated guests (or 150 for standing cocktail events) across eight finely furnished rooms that blend European, Asian and Javanese influences. The property provides private butler service and on-site amenities such as air conditioning, WiFi, microphones, televisions and projectors.
The 18th-century Gedung Arsip Nasional (National Archives Building), once the private villa of Dutch East India Company governors-general and now a museum, makes a distinguished venue for special events. Fully renovated in 1992, the colonial-era estate can host up to 1,000 guests indoors and across its manicured gardens, complete with a charming belfry. During breaks, attendees can explore the museum’s permanent collection, which includes 17th-century ebony furniture and a remarkable selection of historic maps dating back to 1541.