Converge Jakarta Attendee Guide

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

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.