Amidst the vibrant energy of Jakarta sits the Jakarta Convention Center, a landmark steeped in history. The Jakarta Convention Center isn’t just a building. It’s a stage where Indonesia’s story unfolds. Did you know its construction began in 1960, part of President Sukarno’s vision for a magnificent capital? He intended it to be ready for the Games of the New Emerging Forces in 1963. However, its completion took a bit longer, finally opening its doors in 1974. The Jakarta Convention Center’s inauguration coincided with a significant event: the 23rd annual Pacific Asia Travel Association conference. This marked a pivotal moment for Jakarta, with several major hotels also opening around the same time, eager to welcome the influx of visitors.
Initially, the Jakarta Convention Center consisted primarily of the iconic dome-shaped Plenary Hall, a masterpiece designed by architect Soejoedi Wirjoatmodjo. This unique structure, with its capacity to hold 5,000 people, became a symbol of the city’s aspirations. Fast forward to the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Jakarta Convention Center underwent a significant expansion to host the 10th Non-Aligned Movement Summit in 1992. This expansion added two large convention halls, the Assembly Hall and the Cendrawasih Room, and two exhibition halls, greatly increasing its capacity and versatility. For a brief period, due to its shared management with the Jakarta Hilton International Hotel, it was even known as the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center.
The Jakarta Convention Center continued to evolve. In 2023, it underwent renovations in preparation for the 43rd ASEAN Summit, including extending the lobby and refreshing its interiors. Then, in 2025, the management of the Jakarta Convention Center transitioned to the Gelora Bung Karno Complex Management Center. It was renamed the Jakarta International Convention Center, reflecting its global significance.
Today, the Jakarta Convention Center boasts an impressive array of facilities, including the original Plenary Hall, the Assembly Hall, 13 meeting rooms, and two expansive exhibition halls. A unique feature is its air-conditioned tunnel with moving walkways connecting it to the Sultan Hotel & Residence Jakarta, formerly the Jakarta Hilton International. Over the years, the Jakarta Convention Center has hosted countless events. From international summits and conferences to sporting events like the 2017 Indonesia Open and the 2018 Asian Games, the Jakarta Convention Center has played a crucial role. Its stages have seen electrifying performances by artists like Lionel Richie, Alicia Keys, and local sensations like Bunga Citra Lestari. It’s also been home to cultural events like the Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair and Indonesia Comic Con. The Jakarta Convention Center stands as a testament to Indonesia’s growth and its engagement with the world. It’s more than just a venue. It’s a living story, constantly being written and rewritten with each event, each gathering, each performance.