Jakarta. Bandung is gearing up to revive its creative economy, with the city administration setting its sights on the event and live-music industries to restore Bandung’s status as Indonesia’s coolest hub for cultural experiences.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan said the dominance of Jakarta, especially its southern districts, remains strong in hosting large-scale events and concerts. But Bandung, he stressed, is ready to take the spotlight back.

“Restoring Bandung as the coolest event capital in Indonesia, we’re taking that crown from South Jakarta,” Farhan said at the Beritasatu Regional Forum 2025 at Hotel Mulia on Wednesday.

Farhan, a former broadcaster and entertainer, noted that several successful events outside Jakarta have become tourism magnets and blueprints for Bandung’s revitalization. He pointed to the Prambanan Jazz Festival as an example of how a well-curated annual music event can consistently draw large crowds.

The city administration is now mapping out strategies to strengthen Bandung’s creative ecosystem, including both music and non-music attractions.

Beyond concerts, Bandung is preparing to launch a week-long martial arts festival featuring wushu, jujitsu, pencak silat, karate, and more. The event, tentatively named the Bandung Fighting Festival, is expected to broaden the city’s appeal and diversify its creative offerings.

All efforts, Farhan said, will involve close coordination with promoters and creative industry players to ensure quality programming and long-term sustainability.

“During that week, it’s going to be nonstop action, everything from wushu to pencak silat,” he said.

These initiatives aim to amplify Bandung’s presence once again as a top destination for music lovers, festival goers, and sports enthusiasts.

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