Undeniably Indonesia

The country is now opening up newer destinations for MICE as well as leisure in order to offer companies more options of incentives during business trips

Despite being a long-haul destination for India, Indonesia still manages to remain a popular destination for us – not just for leisure but also for MICE. The free visa-onarrival facility is to be credited but also for the vast options that the destination provides. Apart from Bali and Jakarta – the main touch points for India – the country is starting to promote newer spots by highlighting its convenient domestic connections as well as its tourist attractions, hotels and MICE facilities.

Speaking of which, Indonesia is a convenient and fresh option. It offers great facilities in cities or on resort islands, fascinating culture, outstanding natural beauty, with international standard services in 16 main MICE destinations: Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Medan, Batam, Padang, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Makassar, Manado, Solo, Lombok, Bintan, Palembang and Balikpapan.

MUMBAI-JAKARTA DIRECT

To ease travel time between the two countries, its national carrier Garuda Indonesia has started Jakarta-Mumbai direct flights via Bangkok. Aircrafts operated for this route are Boeing 737-800 NGs that have a total capacity of 162 passengers comprising 12 business class seats and 150 in Economy. Garuda Indonesia’s Jakarta Mumbai flight GA 862 via Bangkok operates three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. To promote other cities for tourism and MICE, the airline is also promoting its domestic connections within Indonesia. The airline flies to 63 domestic destinations.

VENDORS APLENTY

Significant changes began to appear in Indonesia after 2011 when several world-class organisers such as UBM, REED, Tarsus and VNU entered Indonesia. Now, Indonesia boasts of many local Destination Marketing Companies who ace in organising big events.

1. Pacto has over 47 years' experience in the MICE sector. It has 17 business units supported by a network of offices throughout Indonesia's main destinations in Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Medan and Makassar. It has handled a broad range of meeting and incentive groups from 25 to 1,000 delegates in the automotive, pharmaceutical, insurance industries and many others. Its clients include Mercedes, Hyundai and Nissan, and Allianz Indonesia. 2. Diorama Travel Management is a wholesaler for inbound tour operator that runs the SIC (Seat-In-Combined) packages in eight destinations within Indonesia.

3. API focuses on exhibitions, conducting

national to international scale exhibitions in Indonesia. It has more than 15 years of experience in the exhibition industry. 4. Smailing Tour DMC is a one stop-solution for all travel needs in Indonesia, whether it is leisure, group travel or MICE.

5. bali4us.com is one of Bali's biggest MICE organisers. It specialises in small to big scale meetings and incentive groups in Indonesia.

INDONESIA’S MICE DESTINATIONS

Indonesia has equipped its convention centres and hotels with state-of-the-art facilities to optimise the MICE experience. It is supported by the Directorate at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in the facilitation of venue information and quality control of conference sites.

JAKARTA

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia and its most populous city. It is a key location for the country’s commerce, business, and entertainment industry. It is the centre of Indonesia’s exhibition industry. Major venues include:

Balai Sidang Jakarta Convention Centre is located in Jakarta's business district. It offers 5,000 pax plenary space and 31,606 sqm exhibition, meeting rooms, VIP lounges and a business centre.

Jakarta International Expo with 12,000 pax plenary, 120,000sqm exhibition space. Jakarta (Alam Sutera) Int'l Exhibition and Convention Centre (JIECC) with 18,000 pax plenary and 60,000 sqm exhibition space. Indonesia Convention Exhibition or ICE with 100,000 sqm exhibition space.

Indonesia has equipped its convention centres and hotels with state-of-the-art facilities

Hotels include: 32,552 Hotel Rooms from international brands and local chains under 24 five stars, 32 four stars, 48 three stars, 35 two-stars and 23 one-star hotels.

Air Service: Currently serves connections to 67 international cities

BANDUNG

Bandung is the third largest city in Indonesia, with its economic activity centered on tourism, manufacturing, textile/apparel, technology, retail, services, and financial sectors. It is also considered to be the creativity and learning centre for Indonesia and has long been a primary MICE city, having hosted Indonesia’s first international convention and the world’s first Asian-African conference. It has direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Major venues include:

Bandung Convention Center with 1,644 pax plenary and 18,600sqm exhibition space

The Venue Concert Hall with 3,500 pax main hall Sasana Buday a Ganesha (Sabuga) Convention Hall with 2,500 pax auditorium, five meeting rooms, 3,630 sqm exhibition space

Hotels include: Eight five stars hotels, 35 four-stars, 73 three-stars, 56 two-stars and 27 one-star hotels.

MEDAN

Medan is North Sumatra’s capital, the third largest city in Indonesia. It is one of the three key points of entry into Indonesia with good connectivity to regional and domestic destinations. It has ferry services to Penang (Malaysia) and Satun (Thailand). Major venues include:

JW Marriott with 1,200 pax plenary Aryaduta with 1,000 pax plenary

Grand Aston City with 2,500 pax plenary Medan International Exhibition& Convention Center that has 3,500sqm of exhibition space

Hotels include: 6 five stars, 12 four stars, 14 three stars, 20 two-stars and 24 one-star hotels.

SURABAYA

Surabaya is the capital of Indonesia’s East Java province, and the country’s second largest city. Major venues include:

Jatim Expo with 5792 sqm hall Gramedia Expo or Gramex with 2750sqm hall plus two convention halls totalling 1,140 sqm Grand City Convention Centre with a total of 8,260 sqm JW Marriot Hotel with 1,500 pax plenary Hotels include: 6 five stars, 12 four-stars, 39 three-stars, 15 two-stars, and 18 one-star hotels.

BALI

Almost 50 per cent of Indonesia’s meetings/ events taking place in Bali.

Major venues include:

Bali International Convention Centre located in Nusa Dua offers 2,500 pax plenary, 2,668 sqm space Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center offers 5,000 pax plenary, 12,000 + 4,800 (phase 2) sqm exhibition.

Hotels include: 51 five-stars, 53 four-stars, 52 three-stars, 23 two-stars and 20 one-star hotels with a total of 55,000 hotel rooms.

YOGYAKARTA

Is the main point of entry to central Java. Its economy is largely based on fishing and agriculture, along with a growing services sector. Major venues include: Jogja Expo Center offers 17,090 sqm exhibition and meeting space

Hyatt Regency with a ballroom that can accommodate 1,000 pax

Hotels include: 5 five-stars, 8 four-stars, 11

three-stars, 8 two starsand 10 one-star hotels.

BINTAN

The island’s economy is centred on tourism, leveraging its close proximity to Singapore, white sand beaches, and natural attractions. In addition, Bintan has an industrial park and its own Free Trade Zone.

Major venues include:

Bintan Agro Beach Resort and Oceanic Spa (250pax)

Angsana Bintan (130 pax) Bintan Lagoon Resort (400 pax)

Hotels include: 352 hotels catering to various budgets in Bintan, ranging from Club Med Bintan to youth travel lodgings.

GOOD TO KNOW

Fifty per cent of Indonesia’s meetings/events take place in Bali

Travellers with Indian passports are granted visa-free facilities.