Jakarta. The myBCA International Java Jazz Festival 2026 is set to enter a new chapter as Indonesia’s largest jazz festival marks its 21st anniversary with a major transformation, including a new main sponsor and a new venue.

This year’s edition will be held at the Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE) in the Pantai Indah Kapuk 2 area of Tangerang, marking the festival’s first relocation in years. The event is also partnering with Bank Central Asia as its title sponsor.

Java Festival Production President Director Dewi Gontha said the festival’s 21st anniversary represented an important moment to introduce a refreshed experience for both audiences and performers.

“The meaning of transformation is creating something new. With this new venue, we hope to explore things we previously could not do,” Dewi said during a press conference at Pantai Indah Kapuk 2 on Monday.

According to her, the move to NICE PIK 2 offers significantly more creative flexibility, from stage design and visitor experience to performance concepts.

“Visually it feels fresher, and creatively we have much more space to work with. That allows us to be more innovative,” she said.

Dewi also encouraged festivalgoers to familiarize themselves with transportation access to the new venue, noting that the location may still be unfamiliar to many visitors.

“People may need to learn the venue first -- how to get there -- but we have already provided transportation alternatives and access information through the official website and social media channels,” she said.

The partnership with Bank Central Asia is also expected to strengthen the festival’s digital-based experience through integrated cashless payments, exclusive ticket promotions, and audience engagement programs.

One of the festival’s biggest surprises this year will be the return of legendary Indonesian rock band Slank, which is scheduled to perform at Java Jazz for the first time in 17 years.

Slank vocalist Kaka praised the festival’s consistency and enduring popularity.

“Java Jazz Festival has remained consistent. The audience is still large and the innovation has been strong. Even though it’s known as a jazz festival, music fans from all genres come to watch,” Kaka said.

Slank drummer Bimbim said the band would present a different concept for the performance.

“When else can you watch Slank perform jazz except on May 31 at 3:30 p.m.?” Bimbim said.

The band is also preparing a special collaboration with legendary Indonesian group The Mercy's.

Beyond Slank, the festival will feature an extensive international lineup for its Special Shows, including Ella Mai, Jon Batiste, and Wave to Earth.

Other international performers include Dave Koz & The Summer Horns, Lisa Simone, Thee Sacred Souls, Close Counters, Billyrrom, Niko Niko Tan Tan, Citrus Sun, Justin Lee Schultz, JustKing Jones, Yufu, Earth, Wind & Fire by Al McKay, and Incognito.

Indonesian performers scheduled to appear include RAN, Bilal Indrajaya, Ziva Magnolya, Wijaya 80, The Groove featuring Tiara Effendy, and Maliq & D’Essentials.