Ubud Jazz Festival to Host International Musicians Amidst Funding Challenges

Ubud, Bali, is set to host the Ubud Village Jazz Festival (UVJF) 2026, bringing together dozens of international and Indonesian jazz musicians on August 7-8 at STHALA Ubud Bali. This annual event has become a significant platform for jazz music in the region.

Despite facing considerable financial difficulties and a complete lack of government support this year, the festival's organizers are determined to proceed. "This year we received no support at all from the government. Financially, it is also very difficult. But the spirit of our musician friends and community support makes this festival sustainable," said Anom Darsana, Co-founder of UVJF, during a press conference on July 30, 2026.

Interestingly, Darsana noted that governments from other countries have shown more confidence in the festival, facilitating the participation of many international musicians through their own governmental and cultural institution support. Among the international acts are Simone Prattico from Italy, performing with Indonesian jazz musicians Sri Hanuraga and Kevin Yosua, blending Mediterranean influences with Javanese nuances. The Dutch group Jade & Paperstock, led by guitarist Jadi Peperzak, will feature Indonesian pianist Kasyfi Kalyasyena, Nepali bassist Sulav Maharjan, and Dutch drummer Rafael Slors, with support from Erasmus Huis Jakarta.

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This year we received no support at all from the government. Financially, it is also very difficult. But the spirit of our musician friends and community support makes this festival sustainable.

French group Watchdog, featuring Anne Quillier and Pierre Horckmans, will also perform, supported by AJC and Institut Français Indonésie. Yuri Mahatma, another Co-founder of UVJF, expressed hope that such international support models would inspire Indonesian government bodies and cultural institutions. "Hopefully, in the future, the music ecosystem in Indonesia will also be stronger in supporting talented musicians so they can perform on international stages and become cultural ambassadors of Indonesia through music," he stated.

The festival's 13th edition will also include the Pong Nakornchai Ensemble from Thailand, featuring musicians from Thailand, Indonesia, and the U.S., and Indonesian guitarist Koko Harsoe with the Balinese fusion trio SAN Trio. H ZETTRIO will represent contemporary Japanese instrumental music.

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Hopefully, in the future, the music ecosystem in Indonesia will also be stronger in supporting talented musicians so they can perform on international stages and become cultural ambassadors of Indonesia through music.