Batam’s Secretary of the City, Jefridin Hamid, has expressed a strong commitment to promoting Batam as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE). During the Public Service Coordination Forum (FKPP) 2024 held by the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform at Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay, Batam, Jefridin outlined the city’s advantages as a host for both national and international events.

Batam’s proximity to Singapore, comprehensive facilities, and the city’s focus on becoming a hub for MICE activities make it an attractive location. The forum brought together officials from various Indonesian provinces to discuss public service improvement and regional development opportunities through MICE.

Batam boasts a range of facilities from budget hotels starting at IDR 150,000 to five-star accommodations, alongside extensive shopping centers, mirroring some of the luxury and variety found in Singapore. This makes Batam not only accessible but also cost-effective for event organizers and attendees.

Jefridin highlighted that MICE activities are vital for increasing Batam’s Local Own-Source Revenue (PAD) through taxes and regional levies. Events like FKPP significantly boost the local economy and support ongoing development efforts.

Jefridin humorously noted that Batam offers both branded and high-quality imitation products similar to those found in Singapore, which can be appealing for shopping enthusiasts attending MICE events in the city.

The Secretary advised MICE organizers from outside Batam to consider scheduling events in the city and using the cost advantages here, such as affordable hotel rates, while still allowing for day trips to Singapore if necessary.

Read More: Batam Shines as MICE Destination: Hosting Indonesia Development Forum 2023

More than half of Batam’s regional budget is derived from PAD, with contributions from taxes and levies expected to reach IDR 1.8 trillion. Jefridin’s vision is to reinvest these funds into further developing Batam’s infrastructure and facilities to support its growth as a MICE destination.

Batam’s emerging status as a MICE destination offers a compelling alternative to more traditional locations. Its proximity to Singapore, combined with significant cost benefits and comprehensive facilities, positions Batam as an attractive choice for hosting a variety of events, promising economic benefits for the region and enhanced experiences for attendees.

Jefridin Hamid, Batam’s City Secretary, has advocated for Batam as an optimal location for MICE activities, leveraging its strategic advantages and comprehensive facilities. His remarks at the FKPP 2024 emphasized the economic and logistical benefits of choosing Batam over other regions, aligning with the city’s broader ambitions to stimulate local economic growth and development.

Source: Batam News (2024)