One of the largest and liveliest musical events in Indonesia, the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival offers visitors a chance to take in performances by some of the leading names in the local and international jazz industry.

Launched in 2005, this musical extravaganza is held at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) in Kemayoran across 15 different performance stages that provide visitors with a diverse selection of music. The Java Jazz Festival runs from Friday to Sunday in the first week of March and plays host to hundreds of performers and participants alike sharing their love for music which encompasses reggae, hip hop, R&B, rock, pop, rap and electro as well.

Past performers at the festival include such icons as Carlos Santana, Sergio Mendes and George Benson as well as a host of other acclaimed artists of the likes of Corrine Bailey Rae, David Garfield, Jamie Lidell, Zap Mama and Chuck Loeb. Local performers from Indonesia and the region are also invited to take part and offer visitors a unique blend of cross-cultural music styles.

The Java Jazz Festival is not just relegated to its official three day performance schedule and one can find a variety of other music related programmes that run before and during this period. Apart from hosting small concerts in various public venues around Jakarta in the two weeks leading up to the festival, other events of interest include a special gala on the day before the main event, music clinics held by guest artists and the “Charity Gospel” that sees local and international performers coming together in order to raise money for a charitable cause.