There’s something magical when thousands of people gather—not just to hear music, but to truly feel it.
That’s exactly what happened at the BNI Java Jazz Festival 2025, a celebration of two decades that wasn’t just a birthday for the festival, but a tribute to the very soul of music itself.
Amid the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, three days (May 30–June 1, 2025) were filled with harmony, applause, and deeply emotional stories that filled the air at JIExpo Kemayoran. Music wasn’t just heard—it came alive, it pulsed, and it touched the hearts of everyone present.
A Vibe That Brightens the Day
From the moment the gates opened at 3:00 PM, crowds began lining up at the entrance. They came with excitement, cameras in hand, and decked out in merchandise and accessories of their favorite artists—ready to immerse themselves in Indonesia’s most anticipated music festival.
The atmosphere was vibrant yet intimate. Jazz, after all, has a unique way of bringing thousands of people into one shared rhythm.
Goosebump-Worthy Moments
One of the undeniable highlights was the debut performance of British singer Raye, who took the main stage at BNI Hall at exactly 8:00 PM on the festival’s final night.
Wearing a pink satin dress and barefoot, Raye opened the evening with “Oscar Winning Tears”—a haunting ballad she once performed at the 67th Grammy Awards. But what truly captivated the audience wasn’t just her vocals; it was the way she wrapped every song in the rawness of real-life stories.
From “Five Star Hotels” to “Ice Cream Man”, Raye didn’t just sing—she shared. Stories of pain, trauma, and the strength of women.
As she sat on the edge of the stage performing “It’s A Man’s World”, the atmosphere turned deeply personal. The crowd fell silent, then erupted—completely immersed in the emotional closeness she created.
Local Talents That Burn Just as Bright
Indonesian musicians also delivered equally captivating performances. Rony Parulian, a finalist from the 12th season of Indonesian Idol, proved he’s ready to rise to the next level.
Taking the stage at Cimory Hall, he performed a series of hits like “Angin Rindu” and “Tak Ada yang Sepertimu”, complete with a surprise collaboration with composer Andi Rianto. The gentle notes of the keyboard blended with Rony’s emotional vocals, creating a tender harmony that instantly charmed the audience.
Equally mesmerizing was Maliq & D’Essentials, who managed to pack BNI Hall five minutes before their set even began. They performed over ten songs, including a new track titled “Dekat”, which had its live debut that night.
Showmanship at the Heart of the Festival
Interestingly, in its 20th year, Java Jazz Festival returned to its roots—prioritizing musicianship and quality stage performances. Rather than relying on viral TikTok stars or social media celebrities, the lineup featured artists with powerful live presence, such as Jacob Collier, Busty and the Bass, and Tontrakul—a multi-instrumentalist from Thailand who fused traditional instruments with modern jazz, getting the crowd dancing and jumping in an electrifying harmony.
Indonesian rising star Jordan Susanto was also the talk of the festival. His performance was passionate and unconventional. He blended soul-pop with raw, unfiltered jazz energy—a delightful surprise that brought together people from all walks of life. Even fellow musicians could be seen watching from backstage.
Jazz Never Gets Old
What sets Java Jazz Festival apart from other music festivals is the depth of experience it offers. Here, you don’t need to know every song or artist to enjoy the moment.
Music speaks through emotion, improvisation, and genuine connection. When Straight No Chaser performed a mash-up of Taylor Swift songs, or when Jesse Gold moved the audience with his tender voice, it wasn’t just entertainment—it was a reminder that music can heal.
With Raye and many other magical moments unfolding over the course of three unforgettable days, the Java Jazz Festival has once again solidified its place as Indonesia’s biggest and most soulful music celebration. And if this is how they mark 20 years, we can only imagine what surprises lie ahead in the years to come.
