Jon Batiste to Wave to Earth in the First Phase of the myBCA International Java Jazz Festival 2026
JAKARTA - The largest jazz music event in Southeast Asia, the Java Jazz Festival (JJF), has officially entered a new phase in its 21st edition. Marking more than two decades of existence, Java Festival Production as the promoter, announced a row of first-phase performers that are sure to attract attention across generations.
One of the biggest surprises this year was the confirmation of the presence of the genius musician who won eight Grammy Awards, Jon Batiste, known for his overflowing stage energy and extraordinary improvisation skills.
Batiste is scheduled to perform in a special show on the first day, Friday, May 29. His presence is believed to be the main magnet for jazz purists and music lovers who miss the combination of classic harmony with a fresh contemporary touch.
Not only Batiste, the shift in the trend of young music listeners is also accommodated in an elegant way through the announcement of the second special show from Wave to Earth. The band from South Korea, which is on the rise with the lo-fi indie pop genre, will take the stage on Saturday, May 30.
The inclusion of Wave to Earth's name shows a more inclusive strategy to embrace a wider segment of the audience, especially the Z generation that is very popular on social media.
The President Director of PT Java Festival Production, Dewi Gontha, emphasized that this change is not just an annual routine, but a major transformation to maintain the relevance of the festival in the global arena.
"Twenty-one years is a meaningful journey. We always interpret the Java Jazz Festival as a meeting space for culture, creativity, and generations. Through this new chapter, we want to present an experience that is more inclusive and world-class for all generations, while affirming the position of Java Festival Production as part of the global cultural ecosystem that continues to move forward," said Dewi Gontha through a press release received by VOI, Friday, February 6.
Physical transformation is also a major highlight. After years of being synonymous with the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) Kemayoran, the festival has been renamed the myBCA International Java Jazz Festival 2026 and will be held at the Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE), PIK 2, Tangerang. This new location offers a wider and more modern space for artistic exploration to welcome foreign music enthusiasts.
This first phase line-up also features other big names. Fans of classic jazz funk will be spoiled with the performance of Earth Wind and Fire Experience by Al McKay and the legendary group Incognito.
Names such as Dave Koz & Summer Horns, Lisa Simone, Thee Sacred Soul, and young talents such as Justin Lee Schultz are also on the must-watch waiting list.
Local musicians are no less impressive. Java Jazz remains consistent as a cross-genre stage by presenting Slank, RAN, Bilal Indrajaya, to Ziva Magnolya. This combination emphasizes the position of JJF is no longer just a single genre festival, but a cultural institution that celebrates the diversity of Indonesian music in the eyes of the world.
In addition to those mentioned above, other names also announced in the first phase line-up include 5 Petani, Billyrrom, Brian Simpson, Citrus Sun, Close Counters, Di Stefano, Eddy Syakroni Project, Elfa' Singer, Funky Times, Justking Jones, Lisa Simone, Niko Niko Tan Tan, Robot Swing, Thee Sacred Souls, The Seciorias, and Yufu.
Meanwhile, the myBCA International Java Jazz Festival 2026 will be held for three days at NICE PIK 2, on May 29, 30, and 31.
For those of you who don't want to miss this historic moment at this new location, myBCA International Java Jazz Festival 2026 tickets are now available through the official website www.javajazzfestival.com.