F-FOREVER keen to return to Jakarta as Ashin takes spotlight

F-FOREVER has expressed a desire to return to Jakarta after experiencing a warm reception from Indonesian fans during the first night of their ‘F-FOREVER 1st World Tour’ concert at Indonesia Arena, Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, on Thursday, 28 May. Ashin, the vocalist of Mayday who joined F4 members Jerry Yan, Vanness Wu, and Vic Chou in the F-FOREVER reunion project, shared this sentiment in a personal Instagram post. ‘After hearing your voices, I think we all want to return,’ Ashin wrote on his personal Instagram account following the first concert in Jakarta. ‘Some reunions take 20 years. Hopefully the next one won’t take that long,’ Ashin joked. This statement complemented his onstage remarks during the first concert. After receiving a rapturous welcome from Indonesia Arena audiences, Ashin even promised to try bringing his three bandmates back to Indonesia. The Jakarta concert was a special moment for Ashin. Besides it being his first visit to the Indonesian capital as a performer, he admitted feeling nervous before taking the stage with the three F4 members who have been idols for over two decades. In his post, Ashin described himself as a ‘fake maknae’—the fake youngest member—and the least recognised in F-FOREVER. However, this feeling contrasted with the reality on stage, where the three F4 members repeatedly highlighted Ashin’s pivotal role in forming F-FOREVER. One of the most emotional moments occurred when Jerry Yan openly stated that their presence in Jakarta would not have happened without Ashin’s contribution. ‘The core of everything is Ashin, because without him, the three of us wouldn’t be here,’ Jerry Yan said on stage. Vanness Wu responded with ‘Terima kasih Ashin’ in Indonesian, followed by Jerry Yan repeating the sentiment in English. The audience then chanted Ashin’s name repeatedly in support. The Straits Times reported in July 2025 that Ashin spent around two years realising the reunion after F4 disbanded in 2009, making it difficult to gather all members on one stage. The reunion, which began during a Mayday concert, led to the F-FOREVER project now touring globally and visiting Indonesia for the first time. Ashin’s role is particularly notable as he is not an F4 member. He ‘replaced’ Ken Chu in the F-FOREVER lineup. Yet, he was the connector and driving force behind reuniting Jerry Yan, Vanness Wu, and Vic Chou on stage. In Jakarta, the three F4 members ensured Ashin’s contribution was acknowledged. Even when Ashin tried shifting focus to the fans, his bandmates kept him at the centre of attention. Vic Chou, for instance, introduced Ashin as a singer visiting Jakarta for the first time and teased him by asking Indonesian fans to send local food recommendations via social media. ‘Today, the focus isn’t on Ashin; it’s on all of you who have waited 20 years,’ Ashin said. Nevertheless, the warm reception left a deep impression. In the same post, he said he received immense love and energy from Jakarta audiences from the moment he stepped on stage. ‘Thank you, Jakarta. This is my first time performing here. You’ve given so much love and energy tonight! Thank you all! And thanks to Jerry, Vic, and Vanness—since I stepped on stage, you’ve given me so much sincere encouragement and funny interactions,’ Ashin wrote. Promoted by Color Asia Live, the ‘F-FOREVER 1st World Tour’ concert in Jakarta ran for three consecutive days from 28 to 30 May 2026 at Indonesia Arena, Gelora Bung Karno. Originally scheduled for two days, the concert was extended after fan requests and sold-out tickets, with promoters and F-FOREVER agreeing to add a third day to meet their devoted fans in Jakarta who had waited over two decades.