The Wana Wisata Baturraden area in Banyumas, Central Java, resonated once again with captivating jazz harmonies during the BRI Jazz Gunung Slamet 2026 event on Saturday (27/6). Carrying the theme “Jazztination”, this festival successfully blended world-class musical rhythms with the exoticism of mountain nature. The presence of this event also marked the return of the legendary Jazz Gunung Series after a hiatus since 2024.
Although rain showered the performance area since the afternoon, the enthusiasm of jazz lovers, affectionately known as Jamaah Al-Jazziyah, did not wane. The cold air and descending mist instead added to the solemn and intimate atmosphere of Baturraden. Amelia Ong, a musician from Purwokerto, opened the stage beautifully wearing a signature red kebaya, performing her original work while playing the saxophone amidst the drizzle.
The excitement continued with a theatrical stage performance from the duo NonaRia, who performed 12 interactive songs, igniting the audience's spirit in the cold night. Following them, the progressive jazz-rock trio Emptyyy brought a different, bolder flavor. Collaborating with Eka Annash, they performed the song “Maruk” as a sharp critique of human greed through a stunning distortion of modern arrangements.
A local touch became even stronger when Kevin Yosua Big 6 collaborated with Gracy Tamangendar to sing the Banyumas regional song, “Di Tepinya Sungai Serayu” (On the Banks of the Serayu River), with a captivating jazz arrangement. As a closing act, the band Mocca took thousands of spectators on a nostalgia trip with a lineup of their hit songs. The moment of togetherness felt even warmer as the audience joined in celebrating the birthday of bassist Toma Pratama on stage.
Not just a music festival, this event also served as a driving force for the creative economy in the Banyumas region. More than 15 local MSMEs participated in presenting traditional culinary delights and craft products, completed with the Kampung Durian area which promoted the region's top commodities. This surge in tourist visits also had a direct impact on full occupancy rates at lodgings around Baturraden since the day before the event.
The success on the slopes of Mount Slamet is valuable capital for the organizers before continuing the next relay of the Jazz Gunung Series. This annual festival series is scheduled to greet music lovers in the Mount Bromo area, East Java, from July 18 to 25, 2026.
