Held from 29–31 May 2026, this year’s edition celebrated its 21st anniversary and was expected to attract up to 120,000 visitors over its course. According to the organisers’ data, the majority of visitors come from Southeast Asia, accounting for 52%, followed by America, Europe and Africa. Approximately 150+ local and international musicians performed across 10 stages, highlighting the diversity and global appeal that have made Java Jazz one of the world’s most respected music festivals. This year’s edition welcomed acclaimed artists including Jon Batiste, Lisa Simone (United States), Daniel Caesar (Canada), Ella Mai (United Kingdom), wave to earth (South Korea), Incognito (United Kingdom), Dave Koz (United States) and other celebrated performers from Japan, Austria, Brazil, Australia and Taiwan, China.

Beyond entertainment, the festival served as a powerful platform to introduce international audiences to Indonesia’s rich cultural identity, creative talent, culinary experiences and renowned hospitality. This flagship event significantly boosts the nation’s tourism sector by filling hotel rooms, driving culinary retail and creating jobs in hospitality. By turning melodies into economic milestones, international music tourism effectively sustains livelihoods across local creative communities.

“Events such as the Java Jazz Festival are more than concerts. They are gateways for international visitors to experience Indonesia,” said Hafiz Agung Rifai, the Assistant Deputy Minister of International Events, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia. “Through music, we showcase our culture, creativity and warm hospitality while generating meaningful economic and tourism benefits for local communities.”

The Ministry further emphasised the growing role of international events in driving tourism and strengthening Indonesia’s global destination brand.

“As we look ahead, we invite travellers from around the world to experience next year’s Java Jazz Festival and discover why Indonesia continues to be one of the most vibrant and welcoming destinations in Asia.”

With another successful edition completed, preparations are already underway for Java Jazz Festival 2027, which is expected to attract even more international audiences and reinforce Indonesia’s reputation as a premier destination for music, culture and world-class events.

*All photos courtesy of Java Jazz Festival 2026

The post myBCA Java Jazz Festival 2026 Showcases Indonesia to the World  first appeared on Top 10 of Indonesia.

As part of the celebration, artists Muchlis Fachri (Muklay) and Wulang Sunu joined forces to visually express JAFF’s vision and its ongoing commitment to delivering innovative programmes while evolving, deepening existing initiatives and making a lasting impact on Asia’s film industry. The collaborative artwork merges the distinct styles of both artists—Muklay’s vibrant pop-surrealism infused with bold colours, and Wulang Sunu’s intricate line work that explores into human experiences with a touch of mythology.

JAFF20^th introduces a fresh experience for visitors through “Sahabat Hanoman,” a community that supports the festival’s sustainability. Members enjoy early ticket access and exclusive perks. This year’s membership is divided into six categories—Student, Basic, Advanced, Experience, Royal, and Support, with prices starting at Rp 600,000. Early bird registration is available from October 13 to 31, 2025, while regular sales run from November 1 to 14, 2025, via sahabat-hanoman.com.

JAFF functions as a significant platform for Asian cinema, showcasing a rich selection of films from across the continent. The festival features film screenings, community-based programs, as well as forums that bring together filmmakers, film lovers and the public in celebrating and exploring Asian film and culture. With the participation of various film communities, JAFF fosters a dynamic atmosphere that honours both regional and global storytelling. Showcasing a mix of rising talents and renowned filmmakers, the festival stands out as a must-attend event for cinema enthusiasts in Asia and beyond.

The post Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) 2025 Celebrates Two Decades of Cinematic Excellence first appeared on Top 10 of Indonesia.

Growing up in a family of educators and musicians, and having spent part of your childhood abroad, how did these experiences influence your path as a musician and creator?

Secara bawah sadar, yang menjadi Inspirasinya adalah multikultural, makanya bentuk musiknya menjadi multi genre, karena mengalami berbagai macam fase kehidupan di berbagai tempat dengan kultur yang berbeda.

Transitioning between genres and building your own record label must have come with challenges. What were some of the biggest hurdles, and how did you push through them?

Tantangannya adalah harus masuk ke lini lain yaitu lini bisnis musik. Karena sebelumnya, fokusku dan sekolahku itu di bidang performing arts, jadi lebih kepada bagaimana menjadi seorang performer-nya, atau sebagai pelaku seninya, bukan pelaku bisnis musiknya. Jadi di situ ada tahap belajar lagi yang benar-benar dari nol, bagaimana membangun ekosistem musik dan menjalankan bisnis musik. Itu hal yang baru bagiku, dan masih terus berjalan dengan challenges-nya. 

Bagaimana caranya aku untuk bisa melewati itu, ya konsisten. Bahwa memang selalu ada pasang surutnya yang harus dilewati. Prosesnya itu yang menjadi pembelajaran untuk tidak menyerah.

Is there a core philosophy or set of values that guides your creative direction and professional decisions especially as both an artist and entrepreneur?

Core philosophy-nya adalah yang konstan di dalam hidup ini adalah perubahan, maka dari itu aku menjadi pribadi yang selalu terbuka dan mau beradaptasi dengan keadaan dan perubahan itu sendiri.

You’ve achieved so much, from performing on global stages to launching Redrose Records. Is there a dream project or artistic direction you’ve yet to explore?

Sejauh ini aku fokus di REDROSE Records, dan mungkin harapannya bisa melebarkan sayap karier bermusik di kancah yang lebih luas.

The post Isyana Sarasvati on Music, Authenticity and Embracing Change first appeared on Top 10 of Indonesia.

The new additions include six feature projects for its inaugural animation showcase, including works by Liu Jian (Art College 1994) and Toe Yuen (My Life as McDull), and two projects in a unique Indonesian showcase, further expanding the scope of the 2025 HKIFF Industry Project Market. These projects join the 40 in-development projects and works-in-progress previously announced for the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF). 

The HKIFF Industry Project Market will be held from 17 to 19 March 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, alongside the 29th Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART). 

According to HKIFFS, there has been a 60% surge in animation submissions since last year, reflecting the industry’s rapid growth in the region. Three works-in-progress are among the six feature projects shortlisted for the inaugural animation showcase. 

“Outstanding animated projects from previous HAF editions, such as Liu Jian’s second Berlinale entry, Art College 1994, and Yee Chih-yen’s Golden Horse Award winner, City of Lost Things, have instilled in us the conviction to showcase and promote promising talents and projects through this new animation initiative,” said Jacob Wong, Director of HKIFF Industry. 

Meanwhile, the HKIFF Industry Project Market will collaborate with Jakarta Film Week (JFW) to launch a new section titled Jakarta Film Week Projects, showcasing the in-development projects of two emerging Indonesian filmmakers. 

According to JFW Festival Director Rina Damayanti, Indonesian cinema has flourished recently, garnering awards and acclaim on the international festival circuit. 

“Through this collaboration with HKIFF Industry, we hope to enhance the visibility of Indonesian projects on the international stage and help them find production and investment partners and global distribution opportunities,” she said. 

ANIMATION HIGHLIGHTS 

Three of the six selected animation feature projects are works-in-progress. They will participate in HAF’s WIP Open Pitch Session on 17 March 2025 at Starlight Theatre, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

• A Mighty Adventure by Toe Yuen is about three tiny insects – a grasshopper, a spider, and a butterfly – who dare to break boundaries and choose their future. Hong Kong director Yuen shot the entire film live in Taiwan, with 90% of the computer animation performed in Malaysia. Yuen is best known for My Life as McDull, the best film winner at France’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2003. 
• MIN by Li Jiajia chronicles the struggles of a 40-year-old woman trapped in a mundane marriage who must make an important decision about her future before she is past her childbearing age. Li, born in Hangzhou, is a professor at the School of Animation and Games of the China Academy of Art. Award-winning director Liu Jian, whose Have a Nice Day and Art College 1994 were both in competition in Berlin, serves as producer. 
• Inspired by his childhood summers spent with his brother, Wildheart by Marceau Nakayama is a coming-of-age drama about two young orphans who rely on one another while searching for their families in 1960s Tokyo. Nakayama, a Tokyo-born art director and concept artist now based in France, grew up in post-bubble Japan before moving abroad. Justin Ambrosino serves as the producer. 

Three projects currently in development complete the animation showcase:

• Cloud of the Unknown by Gao Yuan follows two dreamers as they share secrets about their strange worlds, ultimately questioning their own existence. Kunming-born Gao is an artist and animation creator who has exhibited her works internationally. Her eponymous animated short film premiered at Locarno in 2020, where it received the Arte Laguna prize. Isabelle Glachant serves as the producer.
• Triparna Maiti’s The Tale of the Holy Beast recounts the journey of the captivity and lost childhood of a four-year-old elephant trained to be a circus performer before becoming a star temple elephant bound by heavy chains. The project was previously selected for Mifa Pitches at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Mumbai-based Maiti’s previous works include Water in 2022, her diploma film that screened in Anifilm and Monstra. 
• Light Pillar, directed by Xu Zao and produced by actor-director Da Peng, is a romantic comedy-drama about a film studio’s janitor who navigates a romantic relationship with a woman in the virtual world, unaware that she is a 10-year-old boy in the real world. Xu’s 43- minute animation, No Changes Have Taken in Our Life, won the Golden Dove at DOK Leipzig. 

INDONESIAN BUZZ

• First Breath After Coma, by Jason Iskandar, follows three Chinese Indonesian siblings torn between their dilemmas and family obligations as their father lies in a coma in the late 1990s, during Indonesia’s political transition. Jason is a Jakarta-born Chinese Indonesian filmmaker whose first feature, Akhirat: A Love Story, was the 15th highest-grossing film in Indonesia in 2021. 
• Fly! by Pelixiano is an animated family adventure that follows a young boy on a mystical journey to the afterlife, where he befriends a spirit creature in his quest to find his late father. Pelixiano has 18 years of experience in game development.

The post HKIFF Industry Project Market Completes Lineup with New Animation and Indonesian Showcases first appeared on Top 10 of Indonesia.

Nigel Ng (Malaysia)

Nigel Ng, the Malaysian comedian behind the viral sensation Uncle Roger, took the world by storm in 2020 with his hilarious cooking critiques. In just two years, he amassed over a billion views and 30 million followers, solidifying his place as an internet superstar. By 2023, he completed a sold-out world tour, performing 100 shows for more than 100,000 fans worldwide. In 2024, Nigel expanded his empire by opening the first-ever Uncle Roger-themed restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. He continues to explore exciting new ventures, including a sitcom with ABC Signature, a show with Gordon Ramsay’s Studio Ramsay, and an animated series.

Jacky Ng (Singapore)

Jacky Ng, a Singaporean comedian known for his sharp wit, made waves in 2023 by leaving his full-time job to pursue stand-up comedy full-time. His bold move led to a whirlwind tour across Southeast Asia, cementing his place as one of the region’s rising comedic stars. In 2024, Jacky hit new heights, opening for Ronny Chieng at sold-out shows at Singapore’s Star Theatre and performing alongside veterans in Happy Ever Laughter. He also debuted his comedy special, (Kuku) Bird of Value, while regularly appearing on The More Better Podcast, making waves in Singapore’s comedy scene.

Kavin Jay (Malaysia)

Kavin Jay is a major figure in the Southeast Asian comedy scene who is known for his sharp wit and grumpy, joke-filled delivery. His unapologetically politically incorrect humor offers a satirical take on life, culture, and his experiences as a Malaysian Indian. Kavin’s Netflix special Everybody Calm Down earned widespread acclaim, landing in The Wrap and IndieWire’s top 10 comedy specials. His solo tour Family, Man! has delighted audiences across Malaysia, and his standout show at the Edinburgh Festival has cemented his status as a global comedic talent, continuing to make waves internationally.

Sharul Channa (Singapore)

A powerhouse of comedy and empowerment, Sharul Channa is an enigma on stage that is not to be missed. Blending empowerment and humour, Sharul aims to give women a voice and put Singapore on the global comedy map with her platform. Known for her hit shows Potty Mouth and Disco Sheela & Other Indian Superwomen, Sharul’s performances have packed venues across Asia and Australia. In 2024, she embarked on her global tour Just Joking and her sold-out India tour, Saree Not Sorry. Beyond comedy, Sharul tackles social issues through her work, including Crazy Poor Sita and Am I Old?, making her a trailblazer in comedy with a purpose.

Joanne Kam (Malaysia)

Joanne Kam is an influential figure in Southeast Asia’s comedy scene, dazzling audiences since her breakout in KL’s iconic Boom Boom Room during the ‘90s. With her razor-sharp wit and unapologetic humor, she has headlined everything from Comedy Central Asia specials to sold-out solo shows like La La Lian. Most notably, she was also invited to perform at the prestigious Melbourne International Comedy Festival. On screen, she shined in HBO’s Grisse and took Fringe Festivals in Australia by storm. Whether it’s a comedy club or a corporate event, Kam effortlessly commands the stage, making her one of the most sought-after emcees across Asia.

“Note” Udom Taepanich (Thailand)

Note, one of Thailand’s most celebrated comedians, is best known for his hit solo TV show DIEW, which has captivated Thai audiences since its debut. Often compared to Jerry Seinfeld for his clean humor, Note’s real strength lies in his storytelling, effortlessly turning everyday anecdotes into engaging performances. Beloved for his authenticity and willingness to touch on politics, he’s been a staple in Thai comedy since the ’90s, with viral jokes from that era still fondly remembered. In 2024, Note continues to shine with several Netflix specials, including Sit Down with Stand Up, where he shares his unique stories in interview-style comedy.

Ron Josol (Philippines)

Ron Josol, a Filipino-Canadian comedian, has been entertaining global audiences for over 25 years with his witty take on cultural differences and modern urban life. Known for blending hilarious stories with sharp one-liners, Ron has performed at major festivals like Just for Laughs in Montreal, the Kings ‘n Queens festival in Malaysia, and the Magners Comedy Festival in Asia. He has appeared on Comedy Now in Canada, Gotham Comedy Live for AXS TV, and NBC’s Last Call with Carson Daly. With a long-standing international career, Ron’s comedic style continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Mo Sidik (Indonesia)

Mohamad Ali Sidik Zamzami, known as Mo Sidik, is a beloved Indonesian comedian and entrepreneur who has captivated audiences with his sharp wit and corporate humor. Starting as a radio announcer in Bandung in 1995, Mo transitioned to stand-up comedy, making it to the top 5 of Stand Up Comedy Indonesia. By 2017, he was touring the globe with his solo show Fattitude, performing in 13 countries. Now co-founder of a comedy production company, Mo is expanding his influence through live shows, films, and comedy IP across Indonesia, while balancing his entrepreneurial ventures in edu-tech and export-import businesses.

Sarah Peng (Singapore)

Sarah Peng, a China-born comedian, has been lighting up the global comedy scene since 2014. Known for her sharp wit and flair, she quickly gained recognition after performing stand-up in English during open-mics in China. Beyond comedy, she hosts The Sarah Peng Show and teaches law at a university, embodying both brains and humor. With four degrees and nearly a decade in comedy, Sarah continues to connect audiences through laughter, believing in the power of comedy as cross-cultural communication.

Kuah Jenhan (Malaysia)

Kuah Jenhan, one of Malaysia’s comedy gems, had spent 16 years perfecting his craft as a stand-up comedian before the pandemic forced him to pivot. At 34, he stepped into the corporate world as Creative Content Director at The Chariot Agency, where his sharp observational skills translated into award-winning advertising insights. Jenhan’s comedy career, spanning sold-out shows in Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, remains his passion, even as he juggles his role in advertising. With six solo shows under his belt and numerous accolades in both comedy and advertising, Jenhan continues to challenge expectations—on and off the stage.

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