Indonesia’s largest jazz festival returns for its 21st edition with a new venue, title sponsor, and a lineup bridging international stars and local legends.
The myBCA International Java Jazz Festival 2026 was held from 29 to 31 May 2026 at the Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE) in Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2, Tangerang, Banten. The 21st edition of Jakarta’s flagship jazz festival marked a significant transformation, introducing a new venue and a fresh concept while welcoming Bank Central Asia (BCA) as its title sponsor. According to ANTARA News, the move signals a new chapter for one of Asia’s largest music festivals.
The annual Java Jazz Festival relocated from its long-time home at JIExpo Kemayoran to the newly built 40-hectare NICE PIK 2, featuring over 100 performers across 10 stages. President Director of Java Festival Production, Dewi Gontha, described the move as a necessary step to allow for greater creative exploration. “With this new venue, we hope to explore things we previously could not do,” Dewi said during a press conference. She added that the partnership with BCA was expected to strengthen the festival’s digital-based experience through integrated cashless payments and exclusive promotions.
The 2026 Java Jazz lineup blended international Grammy winners with Indonesian legends. Eight-time Grammy Award winner Jon Batiste performed a special show on the opening day, followed by South Korean band Wave to Earth on 30 May. Other international acts included Ella Mai, Dave Koz & The Summer Horns, Lisa Simone, and Earth, Wind & Fire by Al McKay. Among Indonesian performers, legendary rock band Slank made a return to the festival after 17 years. Slank vocalist Kaka confirmed the band would present a different concept for the performance, re-arranging several of their hits with a jazz touch. “Because when else do you want Slank to play jazz?” Kaka remarked.
Indonesian Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya, who visited the festival on 30 May, highlighted its broader economic impact. “Java Jazz shows that a festival not only presents quality music performances but also becomes a space for many creative economy players to develop and reach a wider market through their works and products,” Riefky said in an official statement. The festival concluded with a forward-looking spirit, as Dewi Gontha encouraged audiences to embrace the new chapter and experience the expanded, world-class event.
Sources: ANTARA News
