Potret urges support for Indonesian music at Java Jazz 2026

Tangerang (ANTARA) - Potret brought a nostalgic atmosphere through a series of hit songs from the 1990s while urging the audience to show equal appreciation for Indonesian musicians during their performance at Java Jazz Festival 2026 at Nice PIK 2, Tangerang Regency, Saturday.

Potret vocalist Melly Goeslaw expressed her delight at returning to the Java Jazz Festival, which has become one of the public’s favourite annual music events.

‘I’m so happy, so thrilled that Potret is here at Java Jazz, an annual event that’s a favourite for Jakarta residents and all Indonesians,’ Melly told the audience.

Melly said she and the band members were delighted to perform songs well-known to the Indonesian public.

‘We’re thrilled to sing my own songs and Potret’s hits, hopefully entertaining everyone,’ she added.

Potret opened with ‘Ingin Dicium’, greeted enthusiastically by the crowd, followed by ‘Tentang Seseorang’ and ‘Bimbang’.

The atmosphere grew livelier as Potret performed ‘Ku Bahagia’, with Melly inviting the audience to sing along, resulting in most attendees joining in unison.

‘Indonesian music, regardless of where it’s performed, deserves our appreciation and attention, as it is also a national asset,’ Melly said.

She added that audiences can enjoy foreign music without forgetting to support local talent.

‘It’s fine to love foreign music—I love Laufey too, I watched her last night—but Indonesian music should get equal attention, even if foreign artists are pursued across the globe,’ she explained.

Melly then lightened the mood with a joke about her age before continuing. ‘I’m 52 now, so after fast songs, I need a cool-down,’ she said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Next, Potret performed ‘Mungkin’ and ‘Bunda’, prompting audience singalongs.

Nostalgia intensified as the band played a jazz arrangement of ‘Gantung’, followed by ‘Mak Comblang’.

The crowd joined in singing along to ‘Salah’, a 1990s hit.

Potret closed with ‘I Just Wanna Say I Love You’, greeted warmly by the audience.

Formed in 1995 by Melly Goeslaw, Anto Hoed, and Arie Ayunir, Potret is known for blending pop, jazz, swing, and musical theatre into their signature style.

Over three decades, the band has produced popular songs including ‘Mak Comblang’, ‘Salah’, ‘Bunda’, ‘Bagaikan Langit’, and ‘I Just Wanna Say I Love You’.