Jakarta is the centerpiece of the country's Independence Day celebrations in August. Another lively event is the Jakarta Fair, which begins in mid-June and continues for several weeks. Entertainment events in the city tend to take place on short notice. The best option is to pick up a copy of the
Jakarta Post or the monthly
Jakarta Java Kini which carries detailed events listings.
For detailed information about upcoming events in the Jakarta area, contact the Jakarta City Government Tourism Office, on Jalan Kuningan Barat No. 2 Jakarta Selatan, Phone 520-5455. They also have a branch at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Terminal 2D. Phone 550-7088. http://www.jakarta-tourism.go.id.
Alternatively, contact the Indonesia Culture and Tourism Board. Phone 383-8717. Visit its Web site at http://www.budpar.go.id. Other reliable Web sites with event information include http://www.jakarta-tourism.go.id, and http://www.expat.or.id, a site mainly aimed at expats settling in Jakarta, but which is also packed with useful information for visitors.
To call numbers listed in this calendar from outside Indonesia, you must first dial your country's international access code, followed by the country code, 62, and the Jakarta city code, 021. When using a mobile phone, you need to use the 021 prefix even when in Jakarta.
Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.
September, 2008
1-30 Sep—Ramadan. Muslims observe a month of daylight fasting, and prayers are offered at mosques each evening.
Throughout September—Performance. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Theatre of Performing Arts, hosts a variety of concert, dance and theatrical performances year-round. Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through late December
Throughout September—Dance. Performances of various traditional Indonesian dance styles take place Sunday 9 am-2 pm. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jalan Raya Taman Mini. For more information, call 840-1687. Continues through early January 2009
Throughout September—Concert. Javanese Gamelan concerts of traditional guitar music take place each Sunday morning at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2009
Throughout September—Dance. The traditional dance-drama Wayang Orang typically depicts Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Weekly performances take place Wednesday 8:15 pm-midnight at Gedung Kesenian Theatre, Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through early November 2009
Throughout September—Performance. Traditional puppet shows, Wayang Kulit, take place each Sunday morning at the Wayang Museum, Jalan Pintu Besar Utara 27, Taman Fatahillah. Performances also take place on the second and last Saturday of each month at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2009
October, 2008
2 Oct—Eid al-Fitr. National holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Government offices and many businesses are closed.
Throughout October—Performance. Traditional puppet shows, Wayang Kulit, take place each Sunday morning at the Wayang Museum, Jalan Pintu Besar Utara 27, Taman Fatahillah. Performances also take place on the second and last Saturday of each month at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2009
Throughout October—Dance. The traditional dance-drama Wayang Orang typically depicts Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Weekly performances take place Wednesday 8:15 pm-midnight at Gedung Kesenian Theatre, Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through early November 2009
Throughout October—Concert. Javanese Gamelan concerts of traditional guitar music take place each Sunday morning at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2009
Throughout October—Dance. Performances of various traditional Indonesian dance styles take place Sunday 9 am-2 pm. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jalan Raya Taman Mini. For more information, call 840-1687. Continues through early January 2009
Throughout October—Performance. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Theatre of Performing Arts, hosts a variety of concert, dance and theatrical performances year-round. Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through late December
November, 2008
Throughout November—Dance. Performances of various traditional Indonesian dance styles take place Sunday 9 am-2 pm. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jalan Raya Taman Mini. For more information, call 840-1687. Continues through early January 2009
Throughout November—Concert. Javanese Gamelan concerts of traditional guitar music take place each Sunday morning at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2009
Throughout November—Dance. The traditional dance-drama Wayang Orang typically depicts Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Weekly performances take place Wednesday 8:15 pm-midnight at Gedung Kesenian Theatre, Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through early November 2009
Throughout November—Performance. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Theatre of Performing Arts, hosts a variety of concert, dance and theatrical performances year-round. Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through late December
Throughout November—Performance. Traditional puppet shows, Wayang Kulit, take place each Sunday morning at the Wayang Museum, Jalan Pintu Besar Utara 27, Taman Fatahillah. Performances also take place on the second and last Saturday of each month at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2009
December, 2008
5-14 Dec—Jakarta International Film Festival. Screenings of approximately 160 films by international directors, as well as a short-film competition for new Asian cinema. Various cinemas throughout Jakarta. For information, call 3192-5115. http://www.jiffest.org.
9 Dec—Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Muslim religious observance and a national holiday.
25 Dec-Christmas Day. National holiday. Government offices and many businesses are closed.
Throughout December—Dance. Performances of various traditional Indonesian dance styles take place Sunday 9 am-2 pm. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jalan Raya Taman Mini. For more information, call 840-1687. Continues through early January 2009
Throughout December—Dance. The traditional dance-drama Wayang Orang typically depicts Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Weekly performances take place Wednesday 8:15 pm-midnight at Gedung Kesenian Theatre, Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through early November 2009
Throughout December—Concert. Javanese Gamelan concerts of traditional guitar music take place each Sunday morning at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2009
Throughout December—Performance. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Theatre of Performing Arts, hosts a variety of concert, dance and theatrical performances year-round. Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through late December
Throughout December—Performance. Traditional puppet shows, Wayang Kulit, take place each Sunday morning at the Wayang Museum, Jalan Pintu Besar Utara 27, Taman Fatahillah. Performances also take place on the second and last Saturday of each month at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2009
January, 2009
1 Jan-New Year's Day. National holiday. Government offices and many businesses are closed.
26 Jan—Chinese New Year. A holiday celebrated by Jakarta's Chinese community.
Early January—Performance. Traditional puppet shows, Wayang Kulit, take place each Sunday morning at the Wayang Museum, Jalan Pintu Besar Utara 27, Taman Fatahillah. Performances also take place on the second and last Saturday of each month at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Concludes early January
Early January—Concert. Javanese Gamelan concerts of traditional guitar music take place each Sunday morning at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Concludes early January
Early January—Dance. Performances of various traditional Indonesian dance styles take place Sunday 9 am-2 pm. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jalan Raya Taman Mini. For more information, call 840-1687. Concludes early January
Throughout January—Dance. The traditional dance-drama Wayang Orang typically depicts Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Weekly performances take place Wednesday 8:15 pm-midnight at Gedung Kesenian Theatre, Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through early November
Throughout January—Performance. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Theatre of Performing Arts, hosts a variety of concert, dance and theatrical performances year-round. Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through late December
February, 2009
Throughout February—Dance. The traditional dance-drama Wayang Orang typically depicts Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Weekly performances take place Wednesday 8:15 pm-midnight at Gedung Kesenian Theatre, Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through early November
Throughout February—Performance. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Theatre of Performing Arts, hosts a variety of concert, dance and theatrical performances year-round. Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through late December
March, 2009
9 Mar—Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). National holiday and an Islamic religious observance commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
27 Mar—Nyepi (Hindu New Year). National holiday celebrating the Balinese Hindu New Year. On this day of silence, locals turn off all lights, avoid physical labor and entertainment, and stay at home. Hotels remain open, but most services will be unavailable. Airports are closed for a 36-hour period.
Early-Late March—Dance. Performances of various traditional Indonesian dance styles take place Sunday 9 am-2 pm. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jalan Raya Taman Mini. For more information, call 840-1687. Continues through early January 2010
Mid-Late March—Concert. Javanese Gamelan concerts of traditional guitar music take place each Sunday morning at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2010
Throughout March—Dance. The traditional dance-drama Wayang Orang typically depicts Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Weekly performances take place Wednesday 8:15 pm-midnight at Gedung Kesenian Theatre, Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through early November
Throughout March—Performance. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Theatre of Performing Arts, hosts a variety of concert, dance and theatrical performances year-round. Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through late December
April, 2009
10 Apr—Good Friday. National holiday.
12 Apr—Easter. National holiday.
25 Apr-Anzac Day. A sunrise memorial service at Menteng Pulo cemetery honors members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought in Indonesia. Jalan Menteng Pulo, off Jalan Casablanca, Menteng.
Throughout April—Dance. Performances of various traditional Indonesian dance styles take place Sunday 9 am-2 pm. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jalan Raya Taman Mini. For more information, call 840-1687. Continues through early January 2010
Throughout April—Dance. The traditional dance-drama Wayang Orang typically depicts Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Weekly performances take place Wednesday 8:15 pm-midnight at Gedung Kesenian Theatre, Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through early November
Throughout April—Concert. Javanese Gamelan concerts of traditional guitar music take place each Sunday morning at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2010
Throughout April—Performance. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Theatre of Performing Arts, hosts a variety of concert, dance and theatrical performances year-round. Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through late December
May, 2009
2 May—Waisak Day (Buddha's Birthday). Buddhist holiday.
21 May—Ascension Day. Christian religious observance and a national holiday.
Throughout May—Dance. Performances of various traditional Indonesian dance styles take place Sunday 9 am-2 pm. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jalan Raya Taman Mini. For more information, call 840-1687. Continues through early January 2010
Throughout May—Concert. Javanese Gamelan concerts of traditional guitar music take place each Sunday morning at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2010
Throughout May—Dance. The traditional dance-drama Wayang Orang typically depicts Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Weekly performances take place Wednesday 8:15 pm-midnight at Gedung Kesenian Theatre, Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through early November
Throughout May—Performance. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Theatre of Performing Arts, hosts a variety of concert, dance and theatrical performances year-round. Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through late December
June, 2009
Throughout June—Dance. The traditional dance-drama Wayang Orang typically depicts Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Weekly performances take place Wednesday 8:15 pm-midnight at Gedung Kesenian Theatre, Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through early November
Throughout June—Concert. Javanese Gamelan concerts of traditional guitar music take place each Sunday morning at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2010
Throughout June—Dance. Performances of various traditional Indonesian dance styles take place Sunday 9 am-2 pm. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jalan Raya Taman Mini. For more information, call 840-1687. Continues through early January 2010
Throughout June—Performance. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Theatre of Performing Arts, hosts a variety of concert, dance and theatrical performances year-round. Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through late December
July, 2009
Throughout July—Dance. Performances of various traditional Indonesian dance styles take place Sunday 9 am-2 pm. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jalan Raya Taman Mini. For more information, call 840-1687. Continues through early January 2010
Throughout July—Concert. Javanese Gamelan concerts of traditional guitar music take place each Sunday morning at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2010
Throughout July—Dance. The traditional dance-drama Wayang Orang typically depicts Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Weekly performances take place Wednesday 8:15 pm-midnight at Gedung Kesenian Theatre, Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through early November
Throughout July—Performance. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Theatre of Performing Arts, hosts a variety of concert, dance and theatrical performances year-round. Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through late December
August, 2009
17 Aug—Independence Day. National holiday. The current national leaders host a flag-raising ceremony and reading of President Sukarno's 1945 proclamation of the independent Republic of Indonesia at Merdeka Presidential Palace. The event is invitation-only, but Medan Merdeka (Freedom Square) is open to the public. Also sporting events, puppet and shadow shows, traditional cultural performances and carnivals throughout the city. For information, call the Jakarta Tourist Information Centre at 520-9671 or 527-2420.
Throughout August—Dance. The traditional dance-drama Wayang Orang typically depicts Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Weekly performances take place Wednesday 8:15 pm-midnight at Gedung Kesenian Theatre, Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through early November
Throughout August—Concert. Javanese Gamelan concerts of traditional guitar music take place each Sunday morning at the National Museum, Jalan Merdeka Barat 12. For more information, call 386-8172. http://www.museumnasional.org. Continues through early January 2010
Throughout August—Dance. Performances of various traditional Indonesian dance styles take place Sunday 9 am-2 pm. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jalan Raya Taman Mini. For more information, call 840-1687. Continues through early January 2010
Throughout August—Performance. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Theatre of Performing Arts, hosts a variety of concert, dance and theatrical performances year-round. Jalan Gedung Kesenian 1. For more information, call 380-8283 or 344-1892. http://www.gedungkesenianjakarta.com. Continues through late December
