The Jazz Gunung Bromo music festival has once again successfully delivered a magical atmosphere in its 18th edition, held at the Jiwa Jawa Resort Amphitheater, Sukapura, Probolinggo Regency. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters above sea level (masl), the bone-chilling cold of 10 to 13 degrees Celsius seemed to vanish as the strains of jazz instruments began to echo.
For two days, from Friday (24/7/2026) to Saturday (25/7/2026), thousands of music lovers, dubbed the "Jamaah Aljazziah," gathered to pack the open-air venue. Wrapped in thick jackets and warm scarves, they were treated to a splendid blend of world-class music arrangements and the natural scenery of the Bromo mountains shrouded in thin mist.
The festival's peak night was marked by a legendary collaboration of Indonesian jazz maestro Indra Lesmana, alongside Eva Celia and Teza Sumendra. Their performance was brought to life even further by the dynamic bass lines of senior musician Barry Likumahuwa. Several legendary songs such as 'Nostalgia', 'Aku Ingin', and 'Ekspresi' were performed with fresh arrangements that successfully drew thunderous applause from the audience.
Before that collaboration warmed up the stage, the audience was treated to stage acts by international talents. Simone Prattico Java Collective from Italy and the music group Watchdog from France successfully stole the spotlight with their dynamic modern jazz improvisations. Meanwhile, on the first day, the Bromo stage was warmed by performances from Batavia Collective, Ring of Fire, and a mesmerizing theatrical performance by Isyana Sarasvati.
The unique experience of enjoying an outdoor concert left a deep impression on the audience. Many appreciated the diversity of genres presented as well as the consistency of these legendary musicians in delivering works that transcend generations. Jazz Gunung Bromo 2026 once again proved that music has an extraordinary power to unite people amidst the cold of the great outdoors.
