Istora Stadium: (JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)" border="0" height="333" width="500">Istora Stadium: (JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)

Although Jakartans may have used up most of their energy battling the daily grind of congestion during the working week, many are still keen to flock to venues around the capital on weekends to attend exhibitions, concerts and various other major events.

Here are five giant venues, which have become regular sites for annual grand events attracting thousands of visitors.

Jakarta Convention Center

The 120,000-square-meter building, known as the JCC, has become a regular venue for major events since it was opened in the Senayan Sports Center in 1992. Famous events that have been repeatedly held in the venue include Indocomtech, an exhibition showcasing the latest computer and information technology, and the International Handicraft Trade Fair (Inacraft). The site, which offers two main halls and dozens of other rooms also regularly hosts fancy weddings.

According to its official website, JCC was first used as the venue for the 10th Non-Aligned Movement Summit, which was attended by 62 heads of state. Visitors who want to avoid traffic jams can use the many public buses, including the Transjakarta busway corridor 9 plying Pluit — Pinang Ranti or the Kopaja AC S13.

Sentul International Convention Center (SICC)

The convention center in Sentul City, Bogor, West Java, can stage big concerts as well as smaller events like seminars, weddings and exhibitions. American singers Katy Perry and Justin Bieber, as well as India’s popular artist Shahrukh Khan have performed in the 22,000-square-meter hall with a seating capacity of 10,120.

As it is located outside the city, visitors from the capital should take the Jagorawi toll road and exit at the Sentul Selatan tollgate at kilometer 33.

Jakarta International Expo (JI Expo)

Located at the former airport in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, the venue has gradually gained popularity since it became the official site for the Jakarta Fair in 2003. The fair, known locally as PRJ, is one of biggest annual fairs in Indonesia.

The venue also hosts the annual Java Jazz festival, an international music event that has invited big names such as celebrated musician Stevie Wonder, R & B singer Craig David and legendary guitarist Carlos Santana.

Another much-anticipated big event in the venue is the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS), which was held for the 21st time this year.

Istora stadium in Senayan

Istora stands for Istana Olah Raga or Sports Palace. The building, which was officially opened in 1962, is not only a popular place to hold major sports competitions such as boxing championships and badminton tournaments, but also other events like music concerts and book exhibitions. The 1,250-square-meter indoor stadium has repeatedly hosted the Java Soulnation Festival, the Indonesia Book Fair and the Jakarta Book Fair.

Istora Stadium: (JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)

Although Jakartans may have used up most of their energy battling the daily grind of congestion during the working week, many are still keen to flock to venues around the capital on weekends to attend exhibitions, concerts and various other major events.

Here are five giant venues, which have become regular sites for annual grand events attracting thousands of visitors.

Jakarta Convention Center

The 120,000-square-meter building, known as the JCC, has become a regular venue for major events since it was opened in the Senayan Sports Center in 1992. Famous events that have been repeatedly held in the venue include Indocomtech, an exhibition showcasing the latest computer and information technology, and the International Handicraft Trade Fair (Inacraft). The site, which offers two main halls and dozens of other rooms also regularly hosts fancy weddings.

According to its official website, JCC was first used as the venue for the 10th Non-Aligned Movement Summit, which was attended by 62 heads of state. Visitors who want to avoid traffic jams can use the many public buses, including the Transjakarta busway corridor 9 plying Pluit ' Pinang Ranti or the Kopaja AC S13.

Sentul International Convention Center (SICC)

The convention center in Sentul City, Bogor, West Java, can stage big concerts as well as smaller events like seminars, weddings and exhibitions. American singers Katy Perry and Justin Bieber, as well as India's popular artist Shahrukh Khan have performed in the 22,000-square-meter hall with a seating capacity of 10,120.

As it is located outside the city, visitors from the capital should take the Jagorawi toll road and exit at the Sentul Selatan tollgate at kilometer 33.

Jakarta International Expo (JI Expo)

Located at the former airport in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, the venue has gradually gained popularity since it became the official site for the Jakarta Fair in 2003. The fair, known locally as PRJ, is one of biggest annual fairs in Indonesia.

The venue also hosts the annual Java Jazz festival, an international music event that has invited big names such as celebrated musician Stevie Wonder, R & B singer Craig David and legendary guitarist Carlos Santana.

Another much-anticipated big event in the venue is the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS), which was held for the 21st time this year.

Istora stadium in Senayan

Istora stands for Istana Olah Raga or Sports Palace. The building, which was officially opened in 1962, is not only a popular place to hold major sports competitions such as boxing championships and badminton tournaments, but also other events like music concerts and book exhibitions. The 1,250-square-meter indoor stadium has repeatedly hosted the Java Soulnation Festival, the Indonesia Book Fair and the Jakarta Book Fair.

(JP/Nurhayati)
Mata Elang International Stadium (MEIS)

The 17-meter high outdoor venue in Ancol, North Jakarta, which opened in 2012, can accommodate 15,000 people. Western and Korean singers have often performed there.

American boy bands Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block, Korean girl band Girls' Generation, Korean boy bands Super Junior and Big Bang are some of the groups who have rocked the 3,840-square-meter joint.

A shopping mall called Ancol Beach City Mall is also located in the same venue, so visitors can enjoy the mall while waiting for the concerts to start. To reach the MEIS, which is located inside Ancol recreation complex (Taman Impian Jaya Ancol), visitors can take Transjakarta busway corridor 5 to Ancol. After paying Rp 17,500 (US$1.4) to enter the park, they can go to MEIS on the free shuttle bus called Wara Wiri. ' JP