A guide to Jakarta, Indonesia for business travellers

With over 10 million people, Jakarta is South East Asia’s most populous city. Even as Indonesia’s seat of government is set to start moving to Borneo this year, the city remains the country’s business hub, thanks to various industries having set up their national and regional headquarters here.

Jakarta has absorbed cultural elements from a period of Dutch colonialism, centuries-old waves of ethnic Chinese migration and the contributions of migrants from other provinces within Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic nation.

Visiting Jakarta on a work trip soon? Enjoy diverse cuisine, coffee and handicrafts as you acquaint or re-acquaint yourself with the city. 

Where to start

Central Jakarta’s obelisk-shaped National Monument was finished and opened to the public in 1975, built to commemorate Indonesia’s war of independence. The monument, with its imposing height and the gold-coated flame at its peak, makes for an iconic photo background. Nearby is the Istiqlal Mosque, which opened in 1978 and is South East Asia’s largest mosque. Just beside it lies the Jakarta Cathedral, a neo-Gothic Catholic church that was consecrated in 1901. The two religious sites, connected by a soon-to-be-opened “Tunnel of Friendship”, symbolise just some of the country’s diversity. 

The MRT Jakarta, the city’s subway system that’s been operational since 2019, currently has one line with 13 stations. If the subway can’t get you to where you need to go, Gojek and Grab, both ride-hailing apps, can take you anywhere.

Where to take clients

Dapur Babah Élite & Tao Bar, located in Central Jakarta, occupies a pair of restored 1940s buildings, lending it an ambience of early 20th-century Java. On the menu are a selection of Javanese, Chinese and Dutch dishes: crispy banana fritters with brown sugar, and the Dutch-influenced Javanese chicken soup are particular menu standouts. 

Also in Central Jakarta, Shanghai Blue 1920 serves local Chinese cuisine, including comfort food like sapo tahu seafood (tofu served in a claypot with seafood) and tumis kangkung taotjo (stir-fried water spinach with fermented soybeans).

Kila Kila in Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) represents an upscale Indonesian dining experience – worth trying are the rawon iga komplit, a blackened short rib soup with mung beans, and the sizeable ikan bakar tempo dulu, a marinated and grilled fish dish. 

Where to stay

Park Hyatt Jakarta, surrounded by Central Jakarta office buildings, incorporates dark shades in its interior while its rooms and rooftop pool offer panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Stay for an afternoon tea at the Conservatory lounge, where menu options change seasonally.

Alila SCBD Jakarta is located near the Indonesia Stock Exchange and other office towers. Unwind with an in-house Balinese massage and take advantage of the facilities at one of the biggest fitness centres to be found in any Jakarta hotel.

What to say 

Jakarta is known for its traffic, which crystallises during morning and evening rush hours. Questions like “How was the traffic?” are expected, while saying the word macet (“traffic jam” in Indonesian) will impress local colleagues and make for a good icebreaker. Additionally, many Indonesians enjoy starting the day with a coffee. Asking your colleagues “Have you had coffee?” might net you some good coffee recommendations while you are in town.

What to know

When meeting with a new colleague or business partner, a gentle handshake is preferred. Use your right hand when exchanging business cards and gifts, as it is considered clean and polite.

Many Indonesians are not accustomed to being addressed by their names. You can call your business counterpart by the honorific pak (Indonesian for “sir”) or bu (“madam”).

Downtime done right 

Take a wander around Jakarta’s Chinatown, locally known as Glodok. Start from Pantjoran Tea House and, as you pass through the gateway, you’ll begin to encounter traditional Chinese pharmacies, market stalls and lots of street food. 

The Jakarta Good Guide has a team of licensed tour guides who are passionate about introducing their city on foot. Expect to be brought to parts of Jakarta that are off the beaten track.

Kawisari Cafe & Eatery in Central Jakarta serves artisanal coffee from its plantation in eastern Java, which has been in operation since 1870. Try its wide variety of brews and traditional sweet snacks. 

Take something home 

BINhouse has produced handcrafted batik cloth since 1986 and has in recent years led a resurgence in contemporary batik dyeing, which was recognised by Unesco in 2009. Visit the main store in Menteng, Central Jakarta, to see the creations. 

Sepiring Indonesia (“A Plate of Indonesia”) offers home decor, like cups and coasters, and items like cardholders and tumblers, showcasing a broad spread of illustrations and patterns that represent the country’s diverse cultures. 

Travelling for business is now miles more rewarding 

Sign up for Business Plus, a corporate travel programme that rewards companies and their employees for flying with us for business. Travellers will continue to collect individual Asia Miles and Status Points while the company also earns additional miles and Business Status Points, which you can redeem for a host of exclusive benefits and rewards.