Jakarta’s Opportunity as a Global City: A World-Class MICE Market
Repositioning Jakarta: From Capital City to Economic and Cultural Hub
The relocation of Indonesia’s capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan presents a strategic opportunity for Jakarta to reposition itself as an economic and cultural center. With its well- established infrastructure—including public transportation, office buildings, star-rated hotels, and tourist destinations—Jakarta has a strong foundation to assert itself as a premier urban tourism destination. The city retains a competitive edge that can be leveraged to attract both domestic and international tourists, as well as creative economy players.
One of the key sectors that can be further optimized is Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition (MICE) tourism. Jakarta is home to world-class conference facilities, exhibition venues, and meeting spaces, making it a prime destination for hosting global events.
With its established infrastructure, Jakarta is well-positioned to transform into a leading center for economy, culture, and urban tourism. Its modern public transportation system— comprising the MRT, LRT, and TransJakarta—along with international-grade office buildings, luxury hotels, and diverse tourist attractions, serves as a solid foundation for attracting both local and international visitors.
The capital relocation, rather than diminishing Jakarta’s significance, opens up opportunities for the city to focus on strengthening sectors that have long been its stronghold, such as MICE tourism. With the vision of “Jakarta, A Global City”, the city has immense potential to become a hub for business activities, conferences, and international exhibitions.
MICE: A Major Opportunity for Jakarta
Throughout 2023, Jakarta solidified its reputation as a competitive MICE destination. According to official data from the Jakarta Tourism Office website (www.jakarta- tourism.go.id), the city hosted 552 MICE events at both national and international levels. The availability of world-class conference venues, such as Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo), has been a key factor in attracting major events.
One of the biggest events scheduled for 2024 is the Jakarta Fair, set to take place at JIExpo from June 12 to July 14, 2024. This event not only serves as a platform for showcasing top-tier products from Jakarta’s business sector but also acts as a catalyst for both local and national economic growth. In its previous edition, Jakarta Fair attracted 6.3 million visitors, generating total transactions of IDR 7.5 trillion, underscoring the significant role of MICE tourism in driving economic activity.
World-Class Infrastructure and Modern Facilities
Jakarta is well-equipped with infrastructure that supports both tourism and business activities. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serves as the primary gateway for international visitors, while the city’s modern MRT and LRT systems enhance urban mobility. The presence of internationally accredited MICE facilities—such as JIExpo and conference halls in five-star hotels—further strengthens Jakarta’s appeal as a leading global business and conference destination.
Moreover, visitor perception surveys indicate that museums are among the most preferred attractions in Jakarta, followed by MICE-related events and recreational spaces. This data highlights the diverse interests of tourists, encompassing educational, leisure, and professional experiences. Additionally, the prominence of urban parks and public spaces underscores the need for the development of green areas and accessible public facilities that cater to a broad range of visitors.
Statistics also reveal that 37.56% of trips to Jakarta are for recreational purposes, while 19.49% are for visiting friends or family. Business-related travel—including MICE (8.18%) and training programs (7.32%)—further reinforces Jakarta’s position as Indonesia’s economic hub. Additionally, travel for shopping (1.20%) and religious activities (0.85%) reflects Jakarta’s ability to offer a well-rounded experience for various market segments.
Creative Tourism Clusters
The Jakarta Provincial Government has implemented a strategic framework through Creative Tourism Clusters, integrating tourism marketing strategies with the creative economy. Key sectors such as GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums), Nightlife, MICE, Culinary Arts, and Fashion are not only positioned as flagship attractions but also serve as catalysts for fostering synergy between the tourism industry and creative sectors.
The development of digital infrastructure is also a key element in supporting platform- based marketing and technology-driven tourism experiences. This underscores the necessity for modern tourism to integrate cultural, technological, and economic dimensions.
With the vision of “Jakarta, A Global City,” the city holds vast potential to solidify its position as Indonesia’s tourism and creative economy hub. Through the growth of MICE- based tourism, the utilization of cultural diversity, and the support of world-class infrastructure, Jakarta is poised to become a premier destination for both tourists and business professionals worldwide. The blend of modern amenities and rich traditions positions Jakarta as a city that not only meets business needs but also delivers an authentic and memorable travel experience.





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