JakJazz started out deep in debt

JakJazz started out deep in debt

By Achmad Nurhoeri

JAKARTA (JP): JakJazz took the stage for the first time in
1988. Ireng Maulana erected stages around the Ancol Dreamland
Recreation Center, North Jakarta, including at the now closed
drive-in movie theater.

More than 150 jazz musicians from 14 countries showed up and
dazzled more than 12,000 spectators over three days.

Indonesia finally had its very own jazz festival, a major
accomplishment. But it had its price: it put Ireng deeply in
debt.

Businesswoman Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, President Soeharto's
oldest daughter, saved the day. "She provided Rp 600 million
then," said Ireng.

It took three years for Ireng to pull off the second show. It
was more ambitious than the first, lasting seven days in November
1991.

Unfortunately, it was still not a profitable investment. Ireng
had to pitch in here and there by selling off his properties. In
1993, he sold his prized land in West Jakarta.

The third through fifth JakJazzes were sponsored by the
Sampoerna cigarette company. They were held each year from 1993-
1995 at Senayan Sports Complex, Central Jakarta.

Although Ireng had a major sponsor, funds were still not
enough to cover expenses. He had to scramble to make ends meet.
In 1995, Ireng even considered putting to rest his dream.

In 1996, he received a prod from the gigantic conglomerate
Bakrie Group. One of its subsidiaries, Bakrie Pesona Rasuna, was
willing to help Ireng.

For the first time, the renovated Sumantri Brodjonegoro Sport
Complex, a Bakrie project, became the venue for JakJazz.

The preparation frenzy started just 26 days before D-day last
December. Still, an audience of 30,000 showed up for the three-
day event. They were brave enough to step out onto the site, a
hockey field which became a waterlogged mud pit by the end. Other
venues used were Sumantri's soccer field and indoor halls.

Costs this year increased from the estimated Rp 2 billion due
to the depreciation of the rupiah.

Thanks to media mogul and jazz aficionado Peter Gontha, who
has poured in capital for the event, organizers might not end up
sinking in financially troubled waters.

Its success will be for the audience to decide. Big names,
cheap tickets. Go see for yourself.