Amara Expo enters partnership with Koelnmesse amid fast growth in Indonesia’s trade fair market. Photo Credit: Amara Expo
Germany's Koelnmesse and Indonesian exhibition company Amara Expo have taken their long-term collaboration to the next level by establishing a new joint venture.
The two have launched Nine Koeln Indonesia, a Jakarta-based venture to expand trade fair activity in Indonesia while connecting local industries more directly with international buyers, suppliers and business networks.
The move reflects growing confidence in Indonesia’s position as both Southeast Asia’s largest economy and an increasingly strategic meetings and exhibitions market.
Industry growth in Indonesia’s MICE sector is projected to reach up to 15% this year, according to a joint statement by the companies.
Koelnmesse, one of Europe’s largest trade fair organisers, brings a global portfolio spanning sectors such as furniture, manufacturing, food and beverage, dental and hardware. The company organises more than 80 trade fairs worldwide and has been steadily expanding its Asia Pacific footprint, where it currently runs around 20 exhibitions.
Amara Expo, meanwhile, contributes local market knowledge, operational expertise and established industry relationships in Indonesia. Since 2020, the company has also served as Koelnmesse’s official sales representative in the country.
The joint venture builds on nearly a decade of collaboration between the two parties, beginning with the Indonesia Dental Exhibition & Conference (IDEC) in 2017. Their partnership later expanded into furniture and manufacturing-focused events including interzum jakarta and International Hardware Fair Indonesia.
Etty Anggraeni, managing director of Nine Koeln Indonesia, said: “Since our first collaboration on the Indonesia Dental Exhibition & Conference (IDEC) in 2017, we have demonstrated the value of this partnership. With this joint venture, we are taking a significant step forward in delivering high-quality platforms and creating more opportunities for Indonesian businesses to connect globally.”
“Our collaboration with AMARA Expo has consistently delivered strong results across multiple events,” said Mathias Kuepper, regional president APAC at Koelnmesse. ““Establishing Nine Koeln Indonesia reinforces our long-term commitment to Indonesia and allows us to further connect our global portfolio with this dynamic market.”
The venture already has a substantial 2026 pipeline, including Interzum Jakarta, International Hardware Fair Indonesia, IFFINA+ powered by Imm Cologne, and IFMAC WOODMAC, all scheduled for September this year.