JakJazz started out deep in debt<\/p>\n
By Achmad Nurhoeri<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): JakJazz took the stage for the first time in
\n1988. Ireng Maulana erected stages around the Ancol Dreamland
\nRecreation Center, North Jakarta, including at the now closed
\ndrive-in movie theater.<\/p>\n
More than 150 jazz musicians from 14 countries showed up and
\ndazzled more than 12,000 spectators over three days.<\/p>\n
Indonesia finally had its very own jazz festival, a major
\naccomplishment. But it had its price: it put Ireng deeply in
\ndebt.<\/p>\n
Businesswoman Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, President Soeharto's
\noldest daughter, saved the day. \"She provided Rp 600 million
\nthen,\" said Ireng.<\/p>\n
It took three years for Ireng to pull off the second show. It
\nwas more ambitious than the first, lasting seven days in November
\n1991.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, it was still not a profitable investment. Ireng
\nhad to pitch in here and there by selling off his properties. In
\n1993, he sold his prized land in West Jakarta.<\/p>\n
The third through fifth JakJazzes were sponsored by the
\nSampoerna cigarette company. They were held each year from 1993-
\n1995 at Senayan Sports Complex, Central Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Although Ireng had a major sponsor, funds were still not
\nenough to cover expenses. He had to scramble to make ends meet.
\nIn 1995, Ireng even considered putting to rest his dream.<\/p>\n
In 1996, he received a prod from the gigantic conglomerate
\nBakrie Group. One of its subsidiaries, Bakrie Pesona Rasuna, was
\nwilling to help Ireng.<\/p>\n
For the first time, the renovated Sumantri Brodjonegoro Sport
\nComplex, a Bakrie project, became the venue for JakJazz.<\/p>\n
The preparation frenzy started just 26 days before D-day last
\nDecember. Still, an audience of 30,000 showed up for the three-
\nday event. They were brave enough to step out onto the site, a
\nhockey field which became a waterlogged mud pit by the end. Other
\nvenues used were Sumantri's soccer field and indoor halls.<\/p>\n
Costs this year increased from the estimated Rp 2 billion due
\nto the depreciation of the rupiah.<\/p>\n
Thanks to media mogul and jazz aficionado Peter Gontha, who
\nhas poured in capital for the event, organizers might not end up
\nsinking in financially troubled waters.<\/p>\n
Its success will be for the audience to decide. Big names,
\ncheap tickets. Go see for yourself.<\/p>",
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