Platinum Convention Hall Strengthens Balikpapan’s Position as Gateway to IKN
The presence of Platinum Convention Hall further cements Balikpapan’s position as a business hub and primary gateway to the new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN). The new facility, inaugurated on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, is projected to become one of East Kalimantan’s largest venues for hosting national and international events.
The inauguration was conducted by Balikpapan Mayor Rahmad Mas’ud. In his speech, he praised Platinum Hotel’s management for anticipating Balikpapan’s development opportunities, particularly regarding the impact of IKN construction on local economic growth. ‘His foresight is undeniable given Balikpapan’s potential as the IKN gateway. He was smart to build the ballroom here before the IKN was completed,’ Rahmad told Charles, owner of Platinum Hotel.
Rahmad also commended PT MIL Bersaudara, the operator of Platinum Hotel, for expanding its business network across Indonesia. He stated that investments in the hospitality and conference sectors not only support the industry but also have the potential to create jobs and new business opportunities for the public. ‘We hope this innovation and collaboration will not only benefit the hospitality sector but also generate employment and new business opportunities for Balikpapan residents,’ he said.
General Manager Platinum Hotel, Joko Budi Jaya, explained that the convention hall was built to meet the growing demand for modern meeting spaces as Balikpapan develops as East Kalimantan’s business hub. Construction began in mid-2023 with a modern, flexible design to support large-scale events. ‘Balikpapan is a strategic business and tourism hub in East Kalimantan, attracting local, national, and international activities,’ he said.
Platinum Convention Hall spans approximately 12,300 square metres across five floors. Facilities include parking, lobby, VIP transit areas, escalators, lifts, and modern lighting. Each room features LED video walls, advanced sound systems, and ballroom designs that minimise visual obstructions for versatile use. ‘The ballroom can accommodate up to 3,000 people and is directly connected to the hotel’s additional ballroom,’ Joko explained.
Operational Director H Soegianto affirmed the project reflects the company’s optimism about Balikpapan’s prospects amid global economic fluctuations and industry challenges. ‘Amid global economic challenges and industry efficiencies, we chose to invest because we believe economic growth must continue,’ he said. He noted the facility would create sustainable economic impacts through job creation and supporting industries. Many young workers from Balikpapan and East Kalimantan are now employed at Platinum Hotel and the convention hall. ‘They are not just working but growing and building their future alongside the increasingly competitive hospitality industry,’ he added.
Beyond supporting large-scale events, the convention hall is designed to align with modern event industry trends prioritising visitor experience. Modern, flexible, and adaptive concepts combined with technology and large capacity aim to ensure competitiveness in the future. ‘We want to create a venue that Balikpapan can be proud of, ready to host major national events and embrace the growth opportunities of the IKN region,’ he concluded.