ICE BSD Hosts GSDC 2026, Reinforces Role as Enabler of Sustainability for Global Forum

JAKARTA - The Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry continues to show a strategic role in supporting Indonesia's economic and tourism growth. Until September 2025, a total of 134 national events were successfully held with a total of 10.8 million visitors. Indonesia also ranks 37th in the world and 4th in the ASEAN region in the MICE industry, strengthening its position as one of the destinations for international events and conferences that are increasingly competitive.

To strengthen this momentum, the government targets the strengthening of the foreign exchange contribution of the MICE sector from around 10 percent to 15 percent by 2029. This target will be achieved through the development of a national event ecosystem, increasing the competitiveness of destinations, and expanding a more inclusive and sustainable economic impact.

This growth momentum also opens up greater opportunities for Indonesia to host various large-scale global forums. One of them is the appointment of the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD as the host of the Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026, a sustainable development forum that brings together global leaders from various sectors.

Siti Karmila, General Manager of ICE BSD, revealed that the appointment of ICE BSD as the host of GSDC 2026 is a great honor and recognition of the capacity and operational standards that have been built over the years.

"We are committed not only to providing the best facilities, but also to becoming a global collaboration hub that brings together various stakeholders to encourage innovation and exchange of knowledge for the acceleration of sustainable development," he said in a statement, Tuesday, June 30.

In line with the increasing demands for sustainable event management, ICE BSD continues to strengthen its role as a MICE destination that integrates operational aspects with environmental responsibility. This commitment is part of the transformation of ICE BSD in presenting a new standard for the event industry in Indonesia.

In its implementation, ICE BSD has developed various sustainability initiatives ranging from energy efficiency through the use of natural lighting, the use of energy-saving LED lights, water recycling systems, to the provision of EV Charging Stations for visitors and event participants.

This commitment is strengthened through collaboration with Rekosistem in the implementation of GSDC 2026 to present an integrated waste management system. This initiative includes the provision of separate garbage bins, support for educators in the sorting process, and the provision of Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) to encourage active participation of participants in the collection of recyclable materials.

Through this collaboration, as much as 1.62 tons of waste was managed during the implementation of GSDC 2026. Of the total volume, Rekosistem recorded a recovery rate of 41 percent which was successfully diverted from the Final Processing Site (TPA) to enter the recycling process, while 57.30 percent was residual waste, and the remaining 1.60 percent was organic waste.

From the total waste collected in the 4 frequency of transportation, the inorganic material that was successfully saved was dominated by plastic waste of 14.35 percent and paper of 10.07 percent, followed by plastic bottles, cardboard, glass, to metal. All of these sorting and integrated management efforts have created a significant environmental impact by reducing carbon emissions by 667.9 kg CO2.

This environmental rescue figure is equivalent to planting 11.35 tree seedlings for 10 years, or saving 285.70 liters of gasoline and 333.25 kg of coal. This step is part of a real effort to encourage the implementation of a circular economy in the MICE industry.

"Through GSDC 2026, we want to show that the holding of a global-scale international forum can run in harmony with responsibility to the environment. We hope that this initiative can serve as an example for other event organizers in adopting more sustainable practices and having a broad impact on the MICE industry," added Siti Karmila, General Manager of ICE BSD.

GSDC 2026 itself presents more than 5,000 participants, 500 speakers, 200 exhibitors, and delegations from more than 100 countries. This forum is a forum for cross-sector collaboration in accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovation, knowledge, and concrete action.

Apart from its facility advantages, ICE BSD was chosen as the venue for the GSDC 2026 because it offers added value in the form of very strategic connectivity for international participants. Acting as a modern convention center on a global scale, this location can be easily accessed through various public transportation modes and private vehicles. For delegates who come by air, the journey from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to ICE BSD only takes about 35 minutes, whether by car or airport train service.

The ease of access to public transportation is also reflected in the integration of the Airport Train (KAI Bandara Railink) route to Duri Station, which is then connected to the commuter train via Tanah Abang to Rangkasbitung Line to Cisauk Station. From the nearest station, participants can continue the short journey using a taxi or online transportation mode to the venue. As for land access, ICE BSD is also very easy to reach thanks to direct connections with the main toll road network, including Prof. Dr. Sedyatmo Toll, JORR W2, and Kunciran-Serpong Toll.

With an indoor and outdoor area of more than 85,000 square meters, ICE BSD is the largest MICE destination in Indonesia and has hosted various conferences, exhibitions, concerts, and international forums for more than a decade. Located in BSD City which is integrated with hotels, commercial centers, and transportation access, ICE BSD continues to strengthen its position as a key enabler in the organization of world-class events.