Indonesia — Events
Jakarta International Film Festival
The Jakarta International Film Festivals (Jiffest) is a whirlwind of films featuring more than 100 movies from several dozen countries over a short four to five day period. Viewers need to choose carefully from competing fillms. Jiffest usually kicks off with the Indonesian premiere of a world acclaimed film but the festival combines film seminars and Indonesian film talent to give the event a local spin. Jiffest is a good place to watch up and coming South East Asian films that begin to pick up international recognition at the festival.
Galungan
Occuring every 210 days, Galungan is one of the most important events for Balinese Hindus. Known as the ‘Balinese Thanksgiving’, the festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, encouraging people to show gratitude to their ancestors. The island is decorated in bamboo poles called penjor, covered in fruit, flowers, and coconut leaves; and small bamboo altars offer gifts to the spirits. Preparations traditionally start three days before Galungan, and end ten days after.
Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival
The Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival brings an eclectic mix of people of sounds from around the world to Jakarta to celebrate jazz. The festival is relatively new but extremely popular and is succesfully filling the founder’s motto, “Bring the World to Indonesia”. The festival attracts top acts from Europe and North America and has a loose interpretation of jazz, inviting everybody from hip hop groups to DJs. There is a special emphasis to highlight local music.
Bau Nyale
While the thought of a festival celebrating sea worms may seem odd to many, but Bau Nyale has a surprisingly romantic origin. The legend says that the beautiful Princess Mandalika was sought by so many suitors that she threw herself into the ocean to prevent them going to war over her. Her hair was transformed into the long strands of the Nyale sea worms, which became a symbol of the Sasak people. Each year at the festival, people catch as many worms as possible, which predict the year’s rice harvest. The worms are then eaten raw, steamed, or fried.
Bali Arts Festival
The Bali Arts Festival celebrates Balinese culture with daily performances of traditional music, dance, theater, and more. One of the biggest festivals in Indonesia, the performances are held in the 6,000-seat temple-like amphitheater. Other activities include demonstrations of cooking and flower arranging, art exhibitions, film screenings, fashion shows and colorful parades.
