One of Indonesia’s most beloved jazz festivals, the annual Jazz Gunung (jazz concert amidst the mountains), returns in 2025 under a new name, BRI Jazz Gunung Series. Now in its 17th edition, the iconic event continues to offer music lovers an unforgettable experience: enjoying the soulful and invigorating rhythms of jazz amidst the cool mountain air and breathtaking scenery of hills and forest.
This musical event has emerged as one of Indonesia’s most distinctive jazz festivals, carrying the spirit of “The Beauty of Jazz, the Melody of the Mountain,” bringing a harmonious blend of music to the lush mountain landscapes, surrounded by cool breeze and human connection. This unique experience has become the festival’s defining value that continues to be nurtured and developed as it enters its 17th year.
Returning once again to the Jiwa Jawa Resort Bromo Amphitheatre, East Java, BRI Jazz Gunung Series offers a truly one-of-a-kind concert journey as the venue is located at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters above sea level with temperatures reaching 6 to 7 degrees Celsius, perfect for the thrill seekers and tune enthusiasts.
The festival consists of three series of events, namely Series 1 which will be held in the Bromo Mountains, at the open-air amphitheater Jiwa Jawa Resort Bromo, East Java on 19 July, and then returning to the same place for Series 2 on 26 July.In the time span between the first and second series, it will be filled by the Bromo Jazz Camp residency program which will be the “main house” for organizing jam sessions, which will take place at Rehat Bromo. Series 3, will be held on 9 August in Ijen at Taman Gandrung’s Amphitheatre, Terakota, Banyuwangi, East Java.
BRI Jazz Gunung Series 1 in Bromo will present performances by the young group Emptyyy, the “next generation” Trio, former MTV VJ Jamie Aditya, and the jazz-infused campursari (traditional-modern Javanese music) music group Kua Etnika. Legendary group, Karimata with mature musical experience and RAN, a young group from the 2000s are also ready to enliven the festival. Followed by Chagall, a female musician from the Netherlands with distinctive electronic-music
Audiences can look forward to a fresh and diverse lineup, in Series 2. The stage will feature Lorjhu’, rising talent Natasya Elvira accompanied by session musicians from the Bromo Jazz Camp, and a special presentation by filmmaker and animator Badrus Zeman. The excitement continues with performances by renowned jazz bassist Bintang Indrianto, the dynamic fusion of Tohpati Ethnomission, soulful singer-songwriter Sal Priadi, and Rouge, a folk jazz act hailing from France. The series will also include a special appearance by Monita Tahalea, adding a heartfelt and memorable touch to the event.
The BRI Jazz Gunung Series 3 in Ijen promises to captivate with a line-up of seasoned musicians delivering uniquely engaging performances. While the complete list of performers is still being finalised, the anticipation is already building.
“As in previous years, Jazz Gunung Bromo will feature a wide spectrum of jazz and beyond—music that blends jazz’s rich sounds and emotions with other genres, especially those incorporating ethnic musical elements,” said Johan Pramono, CFO of Jazz Gunung Indonesia. “This distinctive festival concept has been consistently preserved and developed from the original vision of our founders: Sigit Pramono, Butet Kertaredjasa, and the late Djaduk Ferianto.”
Jazz Gunung has long captured the interest of both Indonesian and international audiences. Its consistent annual staging, paired with fresh innovations each year, draws music lovers to explore Indonesia’s beautiful nature while fuelling the growing enthusiasm among musicians eager to perform on its scenic, open-air stage.
