JakJazz

About

About

About JakJazz

The Jakarta International Jazz Festival, better known as JakJazz, was first staged in 1988. Born from a passion to bring world-class jazz to Jakarta, it quickly became more than a festival — a meeting ground where Indonesian musicians shared the stage with international names, and audiences connected in a warm, open atmosphere.

Initially described by its founder Ireng Maulana, as a “jazz bazaar,” JakJazz is colorful and relaxed, with moving stages, authentic Betawi flavors, and collaborations with local cultural arts. Its spirit is always unpredictable, full of surprises – wild yet captivating, like a kuda lumping.

From its earliest editions, JakJazz pioneered the international jazz festival scene in Indonesia, presenting legendary performances, inspiring cross-cultural collaborations, and nurturing new generations of musicians.

Today, JakJazz remains more than just a music festival. It is a celebration of culture, community, and generations — a space where families, jazz lovers, and young audiences gather to keep the rhythm of jazz alive in Jakarta, and carry it forward as part of the city’s cultural legacy.

Founder: Ireng Maulana

JakJazz was founded by Ireng Maulana (1944–2016), Indonesia’s legendary guitarist and jazz musician. He played a major role in introducing and popularizing jazz in Indonesia. Having studied classical guitar in the United States and the Netherlands, Ireng began his international career by performing at the New York World Fair (1964).

With his vision, Ireng Maulana aspired to make Jakarta one of the world’s jazz capitals. His idea gave birth to JakJazz as a meeting ground for local and international musicians, as well as a platform for young talent to grow.

Through his vision, dedication, and contribution, Ireng Maulana not only popularized jazz in Indonesia but also left behind a valuable legacy through JakJazz — presenting quality music, celebrating creativity, and bridging generations in the true spirit of jazz.

Founder: Ireng Maulana

JakJazz was founded by Ireng Maulana (1944–2016),
Indonesia’s legendary guitarist and jazz musician.
He played a major role in introducing and
popularizing jazz in Indonesia. Having studied
classical guitar in the United States and the
Netherlands, Ireng began his international
career by performing at the New York World
Fair (1964).


With his vision, Ireng Maulana aspired to make
Jakarta one of the world’s jazz capitals. His idea
gave birth to JakJazz as a meeting ground
for local and international musicians, as
well as a platform for young talent to
grow.


Through his vision, dedication, and
contribution, Ireng Maulana not only
popularized jazz in Indonesia but also
left behind a valuable legacy through
JakJazz — presenting quality music,
celebrating creativity, and bridging
generations in the true spirit of jazz.

The History of JakJazz – JakJazz Timeline

1988 — The First Edition

The inaugural JakJazz took place in 1988, marking the birth of Jakarta’s very own international jazz festival. The debut featured 150 jazz musicians from 23 countries, setting the stage for Jakarta as a global jazz hub.

1991 — JakJazz ’91

Held at Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, JakJazz ’91 brought world-renowned jazz acts to Jakarta, including Casiopea, Lee Ritenour, Indra Lesmana, and many others.

1993–1997 — Expanding Venues

Throughout the 1990s, JakJazz moved across various venues: Plaza Timur Senayan (1993–1995) and GOR Soemantri Brodjonegoro (1996–1997). Afterward, the festival went on a long hiatus.

2006 — JakJazz ’06

After nearly a decade of absence (1997–2005), JakJazz made its comeback on 24–26 November 2006 at Istora Senayan, reigniting the city’s passion for jazz.

2007 — JakJazz ’07

From 23–25 November 2007, JakJazz returned to Istora Senayan with the theme “Paint the Town Jazz.” The festival drew more than 40,000 visitors, surpassing expectations.

2008 — JakJazz ’08

The 10th edition of JakJazz was held on 28–30 November 2008 at Istora Senayan, Gelora Bung Karno, under the theme “A Whole Lotta Jazz!”

2010 — JakJazz ’10

JakJazz reappeared, continuing its legacy as one of Indonesia’s most anticipated jazz events.

2012 — JakJazz ’12

JakJazz was staged on 19–21 October 2012 at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, featuring around 90 local and international musicians.

2014 — JakJazz ’14

This edition introduced “Betawi Jazz” as part of a city-festival concept, celebrating Jakarta’s cultural roots alongside global jazz traditions.

2019 — JakJazz’in Aja – A Jazz Technotronic Experience

After another hiatus, JakJazz returned with a kick-off concert titled “JakJazz’in Aja – A Jazz Technotronic Experience” on 6 December 2019 at Livespace, SCBD, Jakarta, paving the way for a more modern and contemporary approach to the festival.