Three days, one baseball field, and a kaleidoscope of music, art, and community—Joyland Festival Jakarta 2024 once again proved why it is a cornerstone of the cultural calendar. Organised with care by Plainsong Live, this year’s festival welcomed 45,000 music lovers to the GBK Senayan Baseball Field, delivering a diverse and dazzling line-up.
St. Vincent made her headline debut performance in Jakarta despite some logistical hurdles. Armed with just one guitar and an arsenal of talent, she gave the audience an electrifying show. A spontaneous crowd-surfing rendition of New York cemented her place in Joyland history.
From the ethereal French duo AIR, celebrating 30 years of Moon Safari, to South Korea’s Hyukoh joining Taiwan’s Sunset Rollercoaster for a rare collaborative set, the international roster was a buffet of sonic brilliance. Japanese post-rock veterans Mono brought their seismic soundscapes, while Bombay Bicycle Club had the audience singing along with every note. Meanwhile, Balming Tiger demonstrated why they are redefining K-pop.
There were also surprises: Blueboy reunited, moving fans to tears, while Bubble Tea & Cigarettes delivered an intimate set that left everyone eager to hear more.
The local talents shone and impressed the crowd like no other. Efek Rumah Kaca’s Konser Rimpang installation was as much a visual feast as it was a musical one. Majelis Lidah Berduri blurred the lines between concert and theatre, while Pentas Sihir delivered a high-energy fusion of three beloved acts. Newcomers like Bank turned their debut into an instant classic, proving that Indonesia’s music scene is thriving.
Curated by White Shoes & The Couples Company, The Lily Pad offered a playground of eclecticism. Japanese rock icons The 5.6.7.8’s paid homage to Dara Puspita, and Thailand’s Khun Narin Electric Phin Band stunned the audience with their psychedelic grooves. Emerging Indonesian acts like Jessla and Drizzly proved they are ready to take centre stage. Meanwhile, DJs like Habibi Funk and Asa Kusumah ensured the energy never dipped, keeping the crowd dancing well into the night.
Joyland has always been more than just a music festival, and this year was no exception. The Shrooms Garden comedy stage had audiences in stitches, with standout sets from Nopek Novian and Soleh Solihun. Cinerillaz, curated by Joko Anwar, gave film enthusiasts a taste of Indonesia’s rising cinematic stars, while the White Peacock area catered to families and introspective adults alike. From tarot readings to acoustic sets by Maliq & D’Essentials, there truly was something for everyone.
Perhaps the magic of Joyland lies in its soul. It is more than just about big headliners or high-energy sets—this festival is about connection. “We design each festival with care and heart, thinking of everyone involved.” This ethos resonates with attendees like Yehezkiel Sihombing, who called Joyland “our favourite festival—not because it’s the biggest, but because it grows with its audience.”
As the sun set on Joyland 2024, memories lingered long after the stages were packed away. Hopefully next year promises even more fun, surprises, and, of course, joy.
