YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia — One of Indonesia’s most celebrated music festivals is returning with a fresh artistic direction. The Prambanan Jazz Festival (PJF) 2026 will take place from June 3–5, 2026, at the iconic Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta, bringing audiences a stronger jazz identity while embracing creative collaborations across musical genres.

This year, festival curator Shadu Rasjidi introduced a new concept called “Playing Jazz,” designed to respond to public feedback that previous editions had not showcased enough authentic jazz performances.

“People’s criticism shows that they care about Prambanan Jazz,” Rasjidi said during a press conference at the Prambanan Temple Complex on Thursday. “This year, we want to present a festival that more clearly reflects the spirit and identity of jazz.”

Cross-Genre Artists Take on Jazz

At the heart of the 2026 edition is Playing Jazz, a concept that invites musicians from various genres to reinterpret their own music through jazz-inspired arrangements.

Rather than simply performing their familiar repertoire, participating artists will explore new musical possibilities by incorporating jazz elements into their performances, creating exclusive sets that audiences can experience only at Prambanan Jazz.

Among the artists embracing this concept are Indonesian indie rock band Perunggu and surf-rock outfit The Panturas. Both acts are expected to deliver fresh interpretations of their signature sound, blending their distinctive styles with jazz influences.

“I’m excited about the Playing Jazz concept this year,” Rasjidi said. “Artists from different genres are exploring jazz in their own unique ways.”

Balancing Identity and Sustainability

Beyond curating the lineup, Rasjidi emphasized that his role is to help shape the festival’s long-term artistic direction while preserving its identity.

According to him, every successful music festival needs a clear identity. At the same time, organizers must also ensure the event remains financially sustainable to support the many people who depend on it.

“A festival is not only about the artists performing on stage,” he explained. “It’s also about the hundreds of people working behind the scenes—from small businesses and sponsors to production crews and the entire creative ecosystem.”

With that philosophy, the organizers are striving to strike a balance between artistic quality and operational sustainability.

Their goal is to maintain a healthy and sustainable festival while gradually strengthening its jazz character year after year.

As one of Indonesia’s premier music festivals, Prambanan Jazz Festival 2026 aims to prove that commercial success and artistic authenticity can coexist. Through Playing Jazz, the festival hopes to reconnect with its roots while offering audiences fresh, unexpected musical experiences against the breathtaking backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple.