To Jakarta and Java Jazz Festival 2017

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.

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! 

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. 

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. 

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.

Front of Pocut Dara Family Restoran

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.

 

Stanley Jordan

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.

WIth Zoul Don

I bid farewell to Jakarta and wished I would come to visit again.