I am a jazz fan since the 1980s. I was introduced to this
genre of music by Ahmad Zaki, a friend and co-worker of the old Kwong Yik Bank
era. In spite of being a fan, I have never been to a Jazz Music Festival ever.
A few months ago, a friend, Zoul, asked whether I would like to join him to the
Java Jazz Festival. It was to be held in Jakarta from 3 to 5 March 2017. I
quickly responded with a “YES”.
Zoul made the flight and hotel arrangements. The travel
arrangements was to coincide with a few business meetings he had planned. After
confirming the amount that I had to pay, he informed that his entourage would
involve his business partner and 3 of his female artists (Zoul is involved with
the movie industry). Well, that should be alright. Then, there was surprise
request, Zoul asked me to be the team photographer. That meant, I was to follow
his team to all meetings and take photos. Hmm, I thought, this was an
opportunity for me to experience a real models photoshoot.
When the departure date arrived, I was a little bit
nervous. I have never meet up close real artists or models on a working trip
before. Zoul introduced me to his partner, Zaman and the three girls – Ayu,
Keena and Fia. I relaxed when they greeted me with genuine warm and friendly
attitude.
We arrived Jakarta on schedule and waited for the
arranged transport to arrive. While waiting, we had drinks at a kopitiam at the
passenger pick-up corridor. Afterwards, we followed our guide to the assigned
van. Our assigned van pilot was Fauzi.
We headed towards the city. Since it was Friday evening, traffic was its
peak. Zoul suggested the we go for dinner first. Fauzi took us to a Sundanese
restaurant. When we arrived there, the restaurant looked familiar. I realized
that I had dinner there during my previous trip to Jakarta a few years ago. After
dinner, we headed to the hotel.
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| At a Sundanese restuarant for dinner. |
Upon arrival at the hotel, the first business meeting was
to start at the hotel’s restaurant. The photograph session was also done there.
By midnight, we finally checked into our rooms. Zoul and Zaman asked me to join
them for a late night outing but I declined. I really needed to rest.
Day 2, Saturday 8.00 AM. Breakfast at the hotel café. We
were joined by 3 people from another Indonesian film production house. By 9.45
AM, we had a group photography session. Then, we adjourned to a local coffee
establishment (ala starbucks or CBTL) where the business meeting continued. We
left the café and headed for lunch at a Manado restaurant. It serves North
Sulawesi specialties such as Ikan Bakar Manado and Sop Ikan Manado. The Ikan
Bakar (Grilled Fish) was the grouper. Yummy!
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| Grilled grouper |
The meeting ended after lunch by 2.00 PM. We left the
restaurant to a private hospital to visit the famous Indonesian artist who is
undergoing treatment for cancer. Yes, I got to visit Yuli Rachmawati (also
known as Julia Perez). With Pak Doni’s permission, our entourage got the chance
to visit her. We arrived at the hospital by 3.00 PM. Yuli was delighted to our
visit. We took lots of pictures with her. The girls chatted with her for quite
a while. By 4.00 PM, we bid our farewell to Yuli and her relatives who were
with her.
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| WIth Yuli Rachmawati. |
On the way back to the hotel, we made a stop at Thamrin
Plaza to shop. I needed to withdraw some more Indonesian Rupiah and Fauzi said
that a Maybank ATM can be found there. After I withdrew some cash, I walked
around to look for the woman’s prayer garb for my wife. I could not find any
that could be to my wife’s liking. By 5.30 PM, I headed back to the van. When
all the others arrived at the van, we headed back to the hotel. We were to
bathe and have a short rest. By 6.30PM, we were to go to another meeting at
Pondok Indah Mall. Being a Saturday evening, the traffic around Jakarta was
packed but moving slowly.
We arrived at Pondok Indah Mall by 8.00 PM. The meeting
was to be held at the Starbucks Coffee outlet. The Mall was busy with shoppers
and visitors. So was the Starbuck outlet. Fortunately, we were able to get two
small tables to sit together. Here, the meeting with an Indonesian music
composer finished by 10.00 PM. On our way back to the hotel, we stopped at a
Nasi Padang restaurant for dinner. As usual, a big spread of dishes were laid
out on the table which enticed our taste buds.
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| Nasi Padang dinner |
After the dinner, we went back to the hotel for a good
rest.
Day 3 – Zoul and Zaman went out for an early meeting.
After breakfast, I just lazed about in my room. However, 11.00 AM, I received a
message from Zoul asking me and the 3 girls to get ready for a lunch meeting.
Fauzi was already waiting for us when we got down. We headed to a restaurant
called Pocut Dara Family Restaurant. Another round of business discussion took
place. We also enjoyed a good spread of Achenese lunch. The meeting ended with
a photo session. We arrived back at the hotel by 3.30 PM to rest. Finally, we
were to go to the Java Jazz Festival that evening.
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| Front of Pocut Dara Family Restoran |
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| Achenese dishes for lunch |
6.30PM we headed to the Java Jazz Festival venue. After Zaman
purchased the tickets, we entered the Convention Center where the 14 stages
were. The performances were staged in the halls and open areas. There was also
a food court with arrays of various food for the patrons to grab a bite. I went
over to the merchandise counter to look at the items available on sale. After
some choosing, I bought 3 t-shirts and a cap. Then, I walked to the along the
open arena and the hall nearby. In one of the halls, Mezzoforte was performing.
The hall was full with the audience and I only managed to stand just past the
entrance door. After Mezzoforte’s performance, I joined the rest of my group at
an open stage. The next performance was by Stanley Jordan accompanied by a bass
guitarist and a drummer. We got to view the splendid live performance of
Stanley’s prowess in playing the guitar. Next, was the band from Los Angeles,
DW3.
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| Stanley Jordan |
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| DW3 |
By this time, we were getting hungry and we walked to the
food court. We purchased some food items to be shared amongst the 6 of us. We
reached the hotel by 1.00 AM.
Day 4 – After breakfast, we headed to the airport. At the
airport I bought some small souvenirs for my friends back home. I messaged my
wife that I would board the plane soon and will inform her when I arrive at
KLIA2.
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| WIth Zoul Don |
I bid farewell to Jakarta and wished I would come to
visit again.
