Presiden Prabowo’s budget cuts have sent shockwaves through Indonesia’s event industry. Hundreds of events, primarily meetings and training sessions, have been cancelled.
Ratusan Miliar Rupiah Hilang Akibat Pembatalan Acara
Industri Event Indonesia (Ivendo) revealed the devastating impact in a press conference. Their February 2025 survey of 90 respondents across 16 provinces paints a grim picture. The cancellation of 638 events across 32 provinces resulted in a staggering Rp 429.23 billion loss.
This figure represents significant financial hardship for businesses involved in event planning and execution. The knock-on effect on related industries, such as hospitality and transportation, further amplifies the economic damage.
Dampak Terbesar Terasa di Sektor Meeting dan Lembaga Pemerintah
Meetings were the hardest hit, accounting for 50.64% of cancellations. Government ministries and agencies were the primary drivers of these cancellations.
Incentive events followed with 12.82% cancellations, while training and workshops accounted for 10.90%. This data highlights the government’s significant role in the event industry’s financial health.
The massive scale of the cancellations is alarming. In 2024, 8,777 events across 34 provinces generated Rp 84.46 trillion and employed 8.8 million people.
The usually bustling MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destinations of Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, West Java, and East Java are now grappling with the fallout. These areas experienced the most cancellations, indicating a widespread problem. Jakarta, West Java, Yogyakarta, Banten, Central Java, and Bali were the hardest hit provinces.
Ivendo is urging the government to reconsider its policies. They also called for faster payments for already completed events. Support for event sustainability certifications for workers and companies is also crucial for the industry’s long-term recovery.
The industry’s future hinges on government support and a swift resolution to these outstanding payment issues. This situation necessitates a proactive approach from policymakers to mitigate the negative effects on the Indonesian economy and millions of livelihoods. The need for sustainable practices within the event industry also deserves more attention and government backing.
