A dazzling celebration of rhythm and culture that unites communities through fresh energy, artistry, and musical moments

After a six year hiatus, the Jakarta International Jazz Festival, or JakJazz, is finally returning to welcome music lovers in Indonesia. The event, an icon since 1988, will take place on December 20, 2025 at Senayan Park, marking a new chapter in the journey of one of the country’s most influential jazz festivals.

JakJazz was created by jazz maestro Ireng Maulana, who dreamed of bringing a world class jazz experience to Jakarta. Since its first edition, the festival has evolved into a warm and inclusive gathering space where Indonesian musicians share the stage with notable international artists. Its relaxed atmosphere, moving stages, Betawi cultural touches, and traditional arts collaborations have shaped JakJazz into a vibrant and uniquely surprising jazz bazaar.

At its height, JakJazz became a pioneer of international jazz festivals in Indonesia and was even regarded as a barometer of jazz in Asia. Artists such as Lee Ritenour, Phil Perry, Casiopea, and Chika Asamoto once showcased their best performances on its stage. More than that, JakJazz played a significant role in encouraging cross cultural collaborations and opening opportunities for emerging generations of musicians.

This year, JakJazz 2025 carries the tagline From Silence to Bloom Again, symbolizing the festival’s revival after its long pause. The festival’s return is guided by the mission of Respecting the Legacy, Empowering the Youth. Alongside celebrating its long standing history, JakJazz 2025 aims to open greater opportunities for younger generations, especially Gen Z, who now number 2.6 million in Jakarta. The festival will adopt a more immersive and interactive format through thematic zones, cross genre collaborations, and approaches that reflect the preferences of younger audiences.

To keep the festival spirit alive throughout the year, a series of side events will be organized. These include JakJazz Lab with workshops and creative classes, City Beats featuring pop up gigs and jamming sessions, JakJazz Collabs with creative industry and lifestyle collaborations, JakJazz Stream, and the Jazz Parade and Appreciation Night. The festival will also involve MSMEs and Betawi culinary businesses to support a wider multiplier effect across the city’s economic sectors.

JakJazz 2025 is more than a music festival. It is a celebration of culture and a meeting ground for multiple generations, ensuring that jazz remains relevant, inclusive, and connected to Jakarta’s urban community. With renewed energy and deep historical roots, JakJazz returns as an event that not only entertains but also revitalizes the rhythm of the city’s music and cultural landscape.

photo source: jakjazz.id/about

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