EVENT / Music / April 2026
New Venue and Major Acts Announced for Java Jazz 2026
The world-renowned Java Jazz Festival is set to return for its 21st edition, promising a fresh experience as it moves to a brand-new venue to host a massive lineup of international and local icons.
A Landmark Move to the North
Marking a significant milestone in its history, the myBCA International Java Jazz Festival 2026 will take place from 29 to 31 May 2026. For the first time, the event moves to the Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE) in PIK 2, a transition that reflects the festival’s growth and its focus on providing modern, world-class facilities
The new location allows for a more expansive layout, featuring over 10 curated stages and immersive art installations. Organizers have noted that this “New Chapter” aims to blend high-quality acoustics with better accessibility for international visitors, ensuring the festival remains a premier destination on the global jazz circuit
Jon Batiste Sets the Opening Tone
The festival’s first night on Friday, 29 May, will be headlined by multi-Grammy winner Jon Batiste. Known for his genre-defying style that blends jazz traditions with modern flair and soulful piano compositions, Batiste’s presence marks one of the most anticipated opening acts in the festival’s history
His performance is expected to be a celebration of inclusivity and cultural exploration, setting a sophisticated yet energetic mood for the weekend. As a master of live improvisation, his set is designed to showcase the raw emotional power of music in an intimate stage setting
Daniel Caesar’s Soulful Conclusion
The final evening on Sunday, 31 May, features a Special Show by Canadian R&B sensation Daniel Caesar. Returning to Jakarta after eight years, Caesar will perform material from his fourth album, Son of Spergy, which explores complex themes of reconciliation and self-discovery
With a repertoire featuring global hits like “Who Knows,” the performance aims to create a moment of pure emotional connection. His signature soulful voice and personal storytelling are perfectly suited for the festival’s closing hours, offering a resonant and reflective end to the three-day run
The Saturday Double-Header
Saturday’s schedule offers a diverse mix of contemporary sounds, highlighted by performances from Ella Mai and the Korean indie-pop group wave to earth. Ella Mai is set to deliver her signature 90s-inspired R&B grooves, bringing a smooth, melodic energy to the mid-festival lineup
In contrast, wave to earth brings a unique blend of lo-fi jazz and indie-pop. Their inclusion highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of “jazz-adjacent” genres that appeal to a younger, global audience, ensuring every stage offers a different musical perspective
Spotlighting Local Legends and Collaborations
While the global stars draw massive crowds, the heart of the festival remains its celebration of Indonesian musicianship. The 2026 domestic lineup features a mix of legends and contemporary favorites, including Slank, RAN, and Maliq & D’Essentials, each bringing their own distinct energy to the various stages
The program also encourages unique creative collaborations that are exclusive to this edition. Highlights include Bilal Indrajaya & The Corleones performing a special tribute to The Beatles, as well as a joint set by Adikara and Ardhito Pramono. These performances ensure that the local music scene is represented with as much prestige as the international headliners.
*Photo: Instagram Jon Batiste
