the International Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta debuted in 2005, staging 146 performances that were visited by 47,500 festival goers. Probably the biggest jazz festival in the southern hemisphere, this year event, OSA, which will begin on March 4, anticipates 120,000 participants. We sit with Dewi Gontha, President Director of PT Java Festival Production, to know what it takes to put together a show of this scale, and what motivates her and her team to continue to improve each year .
Dewi Gontha, President Director of PT Java Production Festival
Dewi, how did you first get involved in the world music festivals?
I worked since 1996 as director of investor relations and marketing manager in two different companies. In 2001, I decided to quit my job I had to give birth to my first son, which was followed by the birth of my second son in 2003. Then, while sitting at home taking care of my babies, my father presented me the opportunity to make the first jazz festival Java, which we launched in 2005.
How many people have you had at Java Jazz Festival last year, and what are the expectations for this year event, AOS?
Last year, we had traffic of about 110,000 for the three days, not including the Java Jazz on the movement event before the festival. This year we expect more than 120 000 visitors to participate in our festival.
That, AOS many people! How many months does it take to plan this event? How many staff do you have working on the project?
it takes a full six months to prepare for a festival of this size. We have over 1,000 people working during the event, but we have about 40 permanent employees in the office that are part of the organizing committee.
What are the main challenges you face in the live entertainment industry in Indonesia?
I think convincing artists that Indonesia should be their priority in relation to other Asian countries is a challenge. We also face difficulties with production costs and rental sites that are very high. Raising sponsorship each year is another bit difficult duties.
You travel the world to experience the festivals of ideas for your own?
I like to go to shows, but not necessarily festivals.
What you are trying to achieve with each music festival? What are your goals?
We started with the intention of promoting Indonesia through music. This is still the case today. We also want to set a standard on how to create a diverse musical experience for the audience, as they are able to choose from different shows during the festival.
Robin Thicke is headlining your festival this year. What would you say to critics who say he is not a jazz musician?
What is jazz? Have you seen The Tree Music; how everything is somehow connected to something else? Yet how can we educate the market? It is to get them first come to see an artist of their choice and at the same time understand that jazz is very wide and that everyone can enjoy. The industry is so broad. Is R n, AO B a stand alone? Or it is part of the tree?
What other musicians will be gracing the stages of Java Jazz 2016? And who are you most excited to watch live?
There are so many great names to choose from. Some of my favorites are :. David Foster, Chris Botti with Sting, Level 42, Patti Austin, Raisa, Marcell, Glenn Fredly, Isyana and Tophati
How many steps there will be this year?
There will be 11 stages in . with something for everyone to enjoy.
What differences from last year event, AOS public can expect to see?
No difference. We look fairer.
Do you still have a cashless system for the purchase of F & B? If so, can you explain why it is done this way?
Yes, we do, which means that no change is needed. We see that this system is convenient for buyers and also convenient for sellers.
How do you choose your actions? Do find that many jazz musicians are eager to come play in this internationally recognized jazz event?
We have a group of people sit together and discuss musicians and options on how to submit each year better than the last.
In addition to Java Jazz Festival, what other events that your company developed?
We put other festivals as Soulnation and Rockin, ÄôLand, and with Live Nation Indonesia we make one-off concerts and stand-up comedy shows, such as the international comedian Russell Peters last week in Jakarta.
What visions do you have for your company's future?
I, AOD want to see Indonesia become bigger and better to participate in the entertainment industry. We want more foreigners to visit Indonesia and Indonesian come to live events.
We want to be a company that can be seen with the same high standards as other live music festivals and organizations worldwide.
You are a mother and a businesswoman. What are your secrets to juggle the two?
No secret. Having the understanding of children and one breadwinner is will never need to survive in this industry and work as best we can.
And finally, who is your favorite jazz artist of all time?
Haha there are just too many to mention!
Thank you, Dewi and all the best for this year, AOS festivities. For more information, visit www.javajazzfestival.com