WHEN IT COMES TO MEETING planning, the words “island” and “tropical” are pretty powerful incentives. Toss in a host of highend venues, a cornucopia of exciting dining options, accessible parks, festivals and art — plus world-class entertainment — and the vast Indonesian city of Jakarta becomes a natural choice for MICE organizers.

Ranked 34th in economic growth among the world’s 200 biggest cities, Jakarta’s steady development also earned it recognition by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network in 2016 as an Alpha Global City, based on its connectivity in accountancy, advertising, law and the banking and financial sector. Trade fairs remain an important component of the MICE market, and upcoming 2018 trade shows and conferences include 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 city of Indonesia [and] Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Jakarta is the hub for the country’s commerce and government activities,” offers T. Marlene Danusutedjo, director of communications, Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta. “This vibrant city is complemented with a wide range of shopping, dining and golfing options — as well as [numerous] art galleries and museums.”

Restaurants prove particularly popular meeting venues, especially when the dining component includes Javanese architecture and authentic Indonesian fare. A wonderful example is Plataran Cilandak, where event spaces include a wide, green outdoor terrace where exotic native flora lend a sense of place.

The restaurant-dining angle makes luxury hotels an easy choice for large-scale MICE events. The Mandarin Oriental is particularly well-suited, thanks to its key address and award-winning restaurants and bar.

Mandarin Oriental meeting room © MANDARIN ORIENTAL JAKARTA

“Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta has the most centrally located venue in the iconic Welcome Monument Roundabout in Central Jakarta, offering the perfect setting for high-level business meetings,” says Danusutedjo. Meeting and banquet facilities occupy the entire third floor of the building with separate access, allowing for enhanced privacy and comfort and ideal for VIP arrivals. A permanent breakout area is also available, giving delegates a private space with a residential feel.

“All the meeting rooms feature state-of-the-art technology and are decorated in a refined Southeast Asian theme complemented by natural daylight,” adds Danusutedjo. “The escalators leading to and from this level have been cleverly concealed by a fretwork screen decorated with bold, indigenous patterns.”

At other upscale properties, outstanding ballroom-style settings include the stunning Segara Ballroom at The Dharmawangsa, with an interior reminiscent of an opulent Indonesian mansion. The Grand Ballroom at the Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta can hold up to 3,000 attendees beneath its glittering crystal chandeliers, while the Grand Ballroom at Kempinski’s Jakarta property (also with a 3,000- person capacity) offers direct access to and from the Grand Indonesia Shopping Town.

When space is a priority, Jakarta Convention Center, commonly referred to as Balai Sidang Jakarta Convention Center, provides extensive facilities with high-tech sound, lighting and communications resources. Along with meeting rooms, two large exhibition halls and dedicated catering services, the center also has an in-house art department available to design and construct stages and décor.

For corporate and professional meeting space and support, The Executive Centre Jakarta — part of a network of leading office space providers in Asia — helps locate, secure and set up spaces at prestigious addresses appropriate to small or large meetings, with state-of-the-art productivity and communication tools and access to local business support services.

UNIQUE VENUES

For intimate business gatherings or a low-key corporate tea soirée, the elegant ambience of Rumah Kartanegara is perfect. This lovely private estate accommodates up to 125 people (or up to 150 for stand-up cocktail functions) in swish Kartanegara in the southern area of the city. Decked out in a heady blend of European, Asian and Javanese design, the space includes eight separate, beautifully furnished rooms with plush vintage touches. To help with the details, the property has a dedicated staff with private butler services. The building is air-conditioned, and on-site amenities include WiFi, microphones, televisions and projectors.
rumahkartanegara.com

Once the private villa of the governors-general appointed by the Dutch East India Co. and now a museum, the 18th-century Gedung Arsip Nasional (National Archives Building) offers a gracefully proportioned space that’s become popular for special events. The colonial heritage structure was completely renovated in 1992 and can provide for up to 1,000 people indoors and in the manicured gardens, replete with a lovely belfry. Meeting breaks allow for perusal and enjoyment of the museum’s permanent collection, which includes original 17th-century ebony furniture and an impressive exhibit of maps with selections dating back to 1541.
jakarta-tourism.go.id/2015/content/national-archives-building-0