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Prambanan Jazz Festival: Immersing in Music's Rhythms at the Ancient Architecture

Prambanan Jazz Festival: Immersing in Music's Rhythms at the Ancient Architecture
Dewa 19 feat. Ari Lasso & Virzha at Prambanan Jazz Festival 2023. Photo by Doc. PJF 2023

The majestic Prambanan Temple is an attractive sight for anyone attending the Prambanan Jazz Festival 2023 concert. This international jazz festival has become an icon that has attracted the attention of jazz lovers around the world. The cultural site at the foot of Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, Indonesia has become a prime destination for international jazz musicians to share their talents and provide an unforgettable musical experience. 

Indonesia has long been home to many rich art forms and cultures. In recent years, more and more international music events have been held in the country, and one such venue that has taken center stage is the Prambanan Jazz Festival. This annual concert, which has been successfully held for 6 days, offers a unique experience by combining the architectural beauty of the ancient temple with the jazz music flowing around it. It is an extraordinary encounter between the past and the present, between two different but complementary cultural treasures.

Prambanan Jazz concerts offer an intimate and magical atmosphere where the audience can feel the touch of history and the magic of music at the same time. With its distinctive atmosphere and stunning venue, Prambanan Jazz promises an experience unlike any other.

Evoke the Magic of Prambanan

Prambanan Temple is located in Central Java Province, about 17 kilometers northeast of the city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 9th century, Prambanan Temple is a symbol of the glory of the Hindu Shilendra kingdom that once ruled the island of Java.

In 1991, Prambanan Temple was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This recognition shows the importance of Prambanan Temple as a historical heritage that must be maintained and preserved for future generations. Through ongoing conservation efforts, Prambanan Temple continues to radiate its cultural and historical wonders to the world.

Kahitna at Prambanan Jazz Festival 2023 (Photo by Doc. Prambanan Jazz Festival 2023)

However, did you know that the Prambanan Temple complex also includes the Sewu Temple, a Buddhist temple. This temple was built around the 8th century AD and became the second largest Buddhist temple after Borobudur Temple in Central Java.

Prambanan Temple has three main temples dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti, namely Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. On the other hand, Sewu Temple is a Buddhist temple complex that has 249 temples with the main temple as its center. These two temple complexes show the influence and existence of these religions at that time.

However, what is interesting is that there are some similarities in the architecture and ornaments used in these two temples. There are mutually inspired elements of art and architecture that can be seen in both temple complexes. This shows the cultural exchange, influence and understanding between Hinduism and Buddhism.

The existence of Prambanan Temple and Sewu Temple as adjacent sites also shows that the religions have co-existed peacefully since the past. This is an important example of how religious harmony can be achieved and maintained in a diverse society.

In the end, the Prambanan Jazz Festival concert is not only a musical performance, but also has a deep meaning. It is a harmonious blend of two major religions in Indonesia, Hinduism and Buddhism, living side by side in harmony. The concert sends an important message of tolerance, cooperation and appreciation of the country's religious and cultural diversity.

Bringing Jazz to Life 

Every year, Prambanan Jazz organizes a series of jazz concerts and performances featuring local and international artists. The event serves as a platform for jazz musicians to collaborate, share experiences and introduce the beauty of jazz music to a diverse audience.

The presence of this cultural site creates a magical atmosphere and provides an unforgettable experience for the audience. The beautiful scenery, the combination of musical art and cultural heritage, creates a strong emotional connection with the audience.

The presence of Prambanan Jazz has managed to attract the attention of many jazz lovers from both within and outside the country. With a combination of stunning locations, high quality concerts, and a line-up of national and international artists, Prambanan Jazz has become the ultimate destination for jazz lovers, not only in Indonesia, but also around the world.

Lucky Chops at Prambanan Jazz Festival 2023  (Photo by Prambanan Jazz Festival 2023) 

Anas Alimi, founder of Prambanan Jazz Festival and founder of Rajawali Indonesia, also said that the main message of Prambanan Jazz Festival, which focuses on cultural diplomacy, has been successful in encouraging the participating international musicians to indirectly promote Indonesian tourism through their performances against the backdrop of Prambanan Temple. 

By having all the musicians perform against the backdrop of Prambanan Temple, the festival has sent the message that Indonesia has one of the best places in the world. This approach is considered an effective and cost-effective strategic move, as the government does not have to spend on overseas advertising. By inviting international artists, they can share the moment through their social media and be seen by a global audience.

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