Converge Jakarta Attendee Guide
Contents
Welcome to your source for all the details you need to make the most of your UW Converge Jakarta experience. Below you will find information on all the UW Converge events and activities, along with helpful travel tips and ways to stay in touch. Thank you for being a part of the UW’s premier gathering of international alumni and friends. We can’t wait to see you there!
Need to register or change an existing registration? Visit our registration page (scroll to the bottom and click “Already Registered?” to modify an existing registration).
A Special Welcome from UWAIN
UW Converge Jakarta wouldn’t be possible without the significant efforts of University of Washington Alumni Indonesia (UWAIN). As the hosts of this year’s UW Converge event, they are enthusiastic to welcome you to Indonesia.
Read the letter from UWAIN
We are excited and delighted to welcome you in just a few days to UW Converge Jakarta and to our summit titled “Indonesia Rising: The future of investment, innovation, and our well-being.” Set to take place in the vibrant city of Jakarta, we hope this summit will be a pivotal moment in your year. We’re already seeing lots of local enthusiasm which promises to make the conference one of the biggest UW Converge events ever.
We hope the information in this guide will be useful for your travel preparations. If you have any further queries or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact UWAIN via WhatsApp : +62 821-2393-3630 or +62 813-8598-1212. For more information, stay connected with us on our participants WhatsApp group, website and social media platforms.
We can’t wait to welcome you to UW Converge Jakarta and to share the rich experiences of Jakarta and Bali with you. We are looking forward to hosting you at UW Converge Jakarta, the Indonesia Rising summit, and our extension program in Bali. See you soon!
Warm Regards,
Aldrin Tando
President of UWAIN
Head of the UW Converge Jakarta Organizing Committee
Schedule
August 11
Optional Jakarta City Tour8 AM–4 PM
Depart from Grand Hyatt Jakarta
Get to know Jakarta like a local with this tour hosted by our local alumni. Limited spaces are still available, contact UWAIN via WhatsApp for more information.
Download a detailed itinerary
Pre-Converge Happy Hour4–6 PM
Grand Hyatt Jakarta
Join Husky alumni, staff and current UW students for an intimate happy hour reception at the Poolside Restaurant.
Register for this free event
UW Law Reception4–6 PM
Grand Hyatt Jakarta
UW Law alumni are invited to a special reception featuring a short program on the impacts of AI on law.
Register for this free event
Saturday, August 12
Doors Open/Check-in Time8:30–9 AM
Grand Hyatt Jakarta
Arrive early to make sure you don’t miss the start of our exciting summit.
UW Converge Jakarta Summit9 AM–3:30 PM
Indonesia Rising: The future of investment, innovation, and our well-being
Grand Hyatt Jakarta
Join us at our day-long summit as we explore the impact of rapid disruption on business, innovation and human well-being. Expert speakers and panelist will cover topics from building a future-proof portfolio to cultivating personal resilience in times of change. Lunch is included.
Converge Jakarta Summit Keynotes
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs
Indonesia
President
University of Washington
Session #1: Building businesses and portfolios for tomorrow
The world of business and finance has seen rapid change in the last few years, including soaring inflation, massive stock price swings, huge shifts in monetary policy, a volatile global recovery and tensions between major economic powers. As the world looks for a way forward, where is the “smart money” going? What types of new businesses are poised for success? What careers should you be building skills for now? What business and investment trends, challenges and opportunities can we expect to navigate in the days and years ahead?
Session Speakers
Orin & Janet Smith Dean
UW Foster School
Founder and Chairman
Bank Jago
Director
UW Asian Law Center
Former Minister of Finance, Research & Tech., Budget & Planning
Session #2: Resilience in times of change
Across the globe, individuals and countries are adapting to a changing world in many different aspects – economic, social, intercultural, environmental. A global pandemic and a world that is more digitized than ever have already brought massive change in the ‘20s. With the pace of disruption seeming to constantly speed up, how can we build personal resilience to stay grounded in turbulent times? How can nations, companies and the global community prepare and rise to the challenges of tomorrow?
Session Speakers
Vice President, Student Life
University of Washington
Chief Strategy Officer for Population Health
University of Washington
Postdoctoral Researcher
Black Dog Institute
Director of Mental Health
Ministry of Health of Indonesia
COO Digital Transformation
Ministry of Health of Indonesia
Session #3: Social impacts of AI, the metaverse, digitized lives
We live in a time of rapid innovation and worldwide digital transformation. How might powerful AI that can mimic humans or the migration to living online shape our future and wellbeing? What moral and legal challenges might we find in an increasingly digital world? How can we build systems that create a more just world instead of causing more inequity? How do we design ethical technology and laws that lead to a better future for everyone?
Session Speakers
China President
HTC
President
Traveloka
Chief Technology Officer
Tokopedia
Deputy President Director
Bank BCA
Optional Networking Time4–6 PM
Grand Hyatt Jakarta
Celebrate the UW’s international community by finding old friends and meeting new people.
UW Converge Jakarta Reception6–10 PM
Grand Hyatt Jakarta
After the summit, it’s time to celebrate! Join us for an enchanted evening of fine Indonesian cuisine, traditional music and dance, as well as live music.
Featured Speakers
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy
Indonesia
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia
Sunday, August 13
TravelAll day
If you are continuing on to Bali, be sure to grab an early flight so you can make our dinner reception.
UW International Chapter Board Meeting2:30–5:30 PM
The Ritz-Carlton Bali
Board members of the UW’s international alumni chapters are invited to gather in Bali for a time of sharing insights and vision. For more information, please email Doug Wallack at wallack@uw.edu.
UW Converge Bali Dinner Reception5:30-9 PM
The Ritz-Carlton Bali
Meet with Bali program attendees for barbecue at a private sunset beach party near the Beach Grill dining area. Network and enjoy!
Monday, August 14
Ventures in Philanthropy Program9 AM-12 PM
Creating a Shared Vision for Founders, Investors and the UW
The Ritz-Carlton Bali, Room 5
Join us in Bali for a deep dive on creating impact. Founders and investors often hope their work will change the world but can also find their resources constrained by the nature of their work. This session will create a space where Huskies immersed in the world of venture can engage in dialogue with UW leaders, explore novel ways of joining the UW’s community of supporters and help shape the way the University engages with the business and finance world in the future.
Session Speakers
Co-Founder
GeoFusion
Founder & Partner
Pack Ventures
Director
UW Asian Law Center
Chairman and CEO
SiS Group
Tuesday, August 15
Bali Excursion to Kintamani 7:30 AM–8 PM
Depart from The Ritz-Carlton Bali
This all-day tour includes temple visits, magical kecak dance performances, a visit to the Ubud art market, and a stop at the Lereng Agung restaurant where you’ll be able to purchase lunch.
Download a detailed itinerary
Wednesday, August 16
Departure DayAll day
Free time to connect with friends before departing for new adventures or continuing your stay.
Speakers
Learn more about our amazing lineup of leaders, experts and innovators by visiting our speakers page.
Event Attire
UW Converge Summit
- Business attire or Indonesian Batik
UW Converge Gala
- Business attire, Indonesian Batik or traditional formal attire from your country
Bali Dinner Reception
- Casual, comfortable, beach-friendly attire
Bali Extension Program
- Business casual
Travel Tips from UWAIN
UWAIN (University of Washington Alumni Indonesia) has compiled the following travel tips to help you make the most out of your time in Indonesia.
Visa Information
Please note that depending on your country of origin, a visa may be required to enter Indonesia. You can obtain a visa from your nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your home country, or you may be eligible for a visa-on-arrival, subject to certain regulations. Please visit the official website of the Directorate General of Immigration of the Republic of Indonesia. for more detailed information on visa regulations and procedures.
Customs Declarations
For your convenience, we suggest completing your Indonesian customs declaration form online before arrival. You can find the form here. Please note there are limits on items you can bring, such as alcohol (up to 1 liter), cash (max IDR 100 million or equivalent), tobacco products (up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco), and certain prescription drugs. Importing narcotics is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.
Communication
Upon arrival, foreign visitors can purchase prepaid SIM cards from various providers at the airport or nearby stores. If you want to use a local prepaid SIM card, registration of your cell phone with Indonesian customs is mandatory, and you must do it at the airport by pre-filling out data online here. Please ensure that you carry your passport and the IMEI number of your mobile device for registration. Once you leave the airport, registration can only be done at the Indonesian Custom office. Without registration of your cell phone, you will be unable to use a local SIM card.
Transportation
To get around in Jakarta and Bali, we recommend using any of the country’s most popular rideshare apps: Grab, Gojek, or Blue Bird. Road traffic in Jakarta can be substantial, so be sure to budget plenty of time to get to your destination. You should download the apps prior to your arrival into Jakarta for convenience.
When arriving from the airport, we recommend using Gojek or Blue Bird taxis rather than hailing a ride in-person.
Jakarta
Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, is a bustling metropolis home to over 10 million people. It’s a city of contrasts, with its rich cultural heritage coexisting alongside its rapid modern development. The weather is tropical, generally hot and humid throughout the year. Temperatures range between 24C-32C (75F to 90F) daily.
However, Jakarta is renowned for its heavy traffic congestion. We advise you to plan your travels with plenty of buffer time, especially during peak hours. For those departing on Sunday, August 13th, please note there will be road closures from 6-10 am due to “Car Free Day”, so you’ll need to plan your departure accordingly as the cars will have to take smaller alternate routes to the airport.
Health & Safety
Safety is generally good in Jakarta, but as in any major city, it’s important to take precautions. Be mindful of your belongings at all times, particularly in crowded areas. Avoid people offering you taxi rides at the airport, do not show any large amounts of cash or valuables in public places, and be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance. Also be mindful when using your cellular phone on the street or in very busy places.
Although the food stalls on the street look good and smell enticing, we recommend not purchasing food from street vendors for health and hygiene reasons.
Payment Methods
In Jakarta, some vendors accept cash (IDR), but nowadays many vendors only take digital payment methods, such as Debit card, E-Money, GoPay, OVO, and DANA. Many places take credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). However, it’s always good to have a mix of payment options on hand.
E-Money Card
An E-money card can be a convenient way to pay for public transportation, toll roads, and parking. You can purchase an e-money card from various providers such as BCA, Mandiri, and BRI at the airport, convenience stores (like Indomaret and Alfamart), and bank branches. These cards can be topped up at the same locations, through ATMs, or via mobile banking apps.
Air Quality
Jakarta, like many major cities, can experience periods of significant air pollution. Those sensitive to poor air quality should monitor conditions via the official government website or reliable air quality apps such as AirVisual or Plume Labs: Air Report.
Exploring
During your stay, you might like to sample the local cuisine at some of our renowned restaurants. Several restaurants the UWAIN chapter suggests include Namaaz Dining and August for an extraordinary molecular gastronomy experience, Kaum Jakarta for authentic Indonesian flavors, Kunstkring for an amazing rijstaffel, Lara Djonggrang for a taste of royal Indonesian heritage in a stunning setting, or the simple Sate Khas Senayan for everyday local Indonesian dishes. For fine dining restaurants, I suggest you book ahead of time as several places could be sold out weeks in advance.
For sightseeing, the National Monument (Monas) and the beautiful Istiqlal Mosque are must-visits. Consider a visit to the historical Kota Tua, Jakarta’s old town, and the bustling local markets like Pasar Baru. For art lovers, the contemporary art and design showcased at Museum MACAN is not to be missed.
Bali
For those extending their stay to experience the enchanting island of Bali, we have some additional information for you. For attendees arriving around 12-1pm, you may be able to share a mini bus ride, arranged at cost, for a more sociable journey. Please let our committee know your arrival time for us to arrange transportation for you – you can message through WhatsApp. Alternatively, a taxi offers a fixed price of IDR 250,000 (+USD 16) from Ngurah Rai Airport to the Ritz Carlton Nusa Dua. If you want a hotel arrangement picked up, it’s available for the price of IDR 395,000 (+USD 26).
Weather
Bali enjoys a tropical climate, with an average August temperature of 26-29°C (79-84°F) year-round. August falls within the dry season, meaning you can typically expect less rain and lower humidity. However, weather can sometimes be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also recommended.
Contacts
WhatsApp Group
WhatsApp is our communications platform for UW Converge events. Join our group to hear the latest announcements, chat with fellow UW Converge attendees, and get your questions answered by members of our team.
LinkedIn Group
Our LinkedIn group provides a place where attendees of the UW Converge event series can connect, chat, and share opportunities. Start networking before the event and keep those connections thriving afterwards by joining today!
Staff Contacts
Ray Li
Assistant Vice President of International Advancement
rayli@uw.edu
Gigi Do
Director of International Advancement
gigido@uw.edu
Doug Wallack
Assistant Director of International Advancement
wallack@uw.edu
Marianne Kim
Assistant Director for Regional Events
yejikim@uw.edu