ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — The Indonesian government has reaffirmed its ambition to become the regional hub for the events and tourism industry in Southeast Asia.
Through two major international initiatives — the Southeast Asia Business Events Forum (SEABEF) 2025 and the Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF) 2025 — the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) aims to strengthen Indonesia’s global position in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
These flagship events mark Indonesia’s determination to revive post-pandemic tourism and elevate its status as a key driver of the regional creative economy.
Under the theme “Strengthening Southeast Asia’s Event Industry through Sustainability Practice, Strategic Investment, and Collaborative Efforts,” SEABEF 2025 will take place on October 10–11, 2025, at the Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE) in PIK 2, Banten.
Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana emphasized that SEABEF 2025 is the first regional forum designed to explore the vast potential, opportunities, and challenges facing the Southeast Asian event industry.
“We envision SEABEF 2025 as a catalyst for innovation — a place where ideas emerge, collaborations grow, and the region’s event industry moves toward global standards,” Minister Widiyanti said during a press briefing in Jakarta on Monday, October 6, 2025.
She noted that the event sector remains a major engine for Indonesia’s national economy — creating jobs, supporting MSMEs, and promoting the global brand of Wonderful Indonesia.
In 2025 alone, events supported by the Ministry have contributed to Rp11.82 trillion (approx. USD 720 million) in economic turnover, engaged 95,000 event workers, empowered 14,800 MSMEs, and attracted 10.8 million visitors.
“And that only counts the events directly supported by our Ministry. Imagine the true scale if we include the entire event ecosystem across Indonesia,” she added.
Strong Potential, Persistent Challenges
Despite its growing impact, Indonesia’s event industry still faces challenges — particularly in financing, regulatory procedures, infrastructure, and sustainability implementation.
According to the International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA), Indonesia currently ranks 37th globally, 10th in Asia Pacific, and 4th in ASEAN for MICE competitiveness.
“This shows how strong our potential is — but also how much we still need to improve,” Minister Widiyanti remarked.
Meanwhile, Vinsensius Jemadu, Deputy for Event Management Development at the Ministry of Tourism, stated that SEABEF 2025 will unite policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and academia to build a collaborative and sustainable event ecosystem.
Running alongside SEABEF, the Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF) 2025 will be held on October 9–12, 2025, at the same venue.
Organized by the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI), WITF is one of the country’s largest tourism exhibitions — a strategic platform to promote Indonesia’s tourism destinations to both domestic and international markets.
The 2025 edition will feature 300 exhibitors and 200 buyers from 40 countries, alongside public consumer shows and business matchmaking sessions.
“Through WITF, we are inviting domestic and international travelers to experience Indonesia’s rich diversity and natural beauty firsthand,” said Minister Widiyanti.
To further boost exposure, the Ministry will also host a Familiarisation Trip (FamTrip) for 45 travel agents and tour operators from Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, culminating in a business matching event in Bali.
Global Enthusiasm Rising, Transactions Expected to Surge
Chairman of GIPI, Hariyadi Sukamdani, revealed that buyer interest for WITF 2025 has surged significantly.
“As of today, we have recorded 3,200 confirmed B2B appointments, compared to 2,500 in 2024 — and the number continues to grow as we approach the event. This shows tremendous global confidence in Indonesia’s tourism industry,” he said.
Indonesia’s Roadmap: Becoming Southeast Asia’s MICE Powerhouse
The twin events — SEABEF and WITF 2025 — symbolize Indonesia’s determination to position itself as the leading hub for sustainable event and tourism development in Southeast Asia.
Through strategic investment, inclusive growth, and cross-sector collaboration, the Ministry of Tourism is confident that Indonesia can compete with regional leaders like Singapore and Thailand in the MICE sector.
“Our goal is to make Indonesia’s tourism not only beautiful and welcoming but also resilient, innovative, and globally competitive,” Minister Widiyanti concluded. (AT Network)
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