JAKARTA – Teuku Riefky Harsya is known in the creative economy scene. He supports jazz with all his strength. He leads the Creative Economy Ministry and the Creative Economy Agency (Menekraf/Kabekraf). He approved the Java Festival Production plan for the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival. His nod is strong praise for a nearly 20-year jazz event.
Riefky praised the event for more than smooth tunes. He sees the festival as proof of a growing creative economy in Indonesia. “I appreciate the long path of jazz events like the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, which reached a global level,” he said. It sounds grand—and it is grand. The festival puts Indonesia on the world music stage and shows that our music side can grow a lot.
At a meeting with festival organizers at the Pesona Indonesia Film Building in South Jakarta, the group discussed working together. Riefky stated that music events like the Java Jazz Festival help young people and bring good jobs. He stressed that restarting the creative economy matters. “We support music and agree to use it as a way to renew the creative economy and build good jobs,” he said. Organizing a festival draws many people into the work.
Dewi Gontha, head of Java Festival Production, then explained her plan. This year, the festival focuses on new talent instead of only big names. The event runs on 11 stages with about 115 performances over three days. She also mentioned an official mascot that will soon appear. Many expect to enjoy the mascot at the festival.
The meeting did not end with just jazz talk. The team discussed ideas for joint projects, like a TV series and a documentary that shows Indonesia’s cultural blend. Cameron Smith, Java Festival Production’s executive, plans to record the 20-year journey of the festival. He wants to listen to both local and international artists and point out the mix that marks Indonesia. He also sees food, friendly service, and lively music in the picture.
Smith said, “I want to make a film that shows the core of Java Jazz over time.” His plan needs help from the Creative Economy Ministry to start filming and get permits for some locations. He hopes they will assist.
As the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival prepares for another round of jazz tricks, one sees that the event is more than music alone. It unites community and culture and supports young artists. We celebrate 20 years and more of jazz that makes us move!
