Jazz Returns to the Dieng Highlands as Festival Revives Iconic Performance

RI.CO.ID, Banjarnegara - The much-loved Jazz Atas Awan (Jazz Above the Clouds) will once again light up the Dieng Plateau as part of the 16th Dieng Culture Festival (DCF), scheduled for August 28–30, 2026.

Organizers from the local tourism awareness group Pokdarwis Dieng Pandawa confirmed the performance’s return after a year-long absence, underscoring its role in preserving the festival’s unique identity.

Pokdarwis Dieng Pandawa Chair Alif Faozi explained that DCF 2026--recognized under the Ministry of Tourism’s Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN)--will carry the theme “Spirit in Harmony.” Preparations are underway to refine the program and ensure a stronger presentation than in previous years.

Jazz Atas Awan will headline the opening night with a full jazz showcase, while the second evening will feature collaborative performances across multiple genres. The decision to reintegrate jazz into the festival follows earlier plans to separate it as a standalone event, which left it absent from DCF XV in 2025.

“We want Jazz Atas Awan to remain alive and familiar to the public. Rather than leaving it out, we’re bringing it back this year while exploring opportunities to host it independently in the future with stronger partnerships,” Alif said, as quoted by Antara.

Beyond entertainment, DCF continues to serve as a platform for cultural education and environmental awareness. The chosen theme emphasizes harmony between humanity, nature, and spirituality.

Organizers acknowledged lessons from 2025, when limited preparation time and stage design fell short of expectations, and pledged to deliver a more compelling experience for visitors this year.

One of the festival’s signature rituals--the ruwatan ceremony for children with tangled hair--has yet to be scheduled, with final confirmation expected during the soft launch on June 3.

DCF will maintain its commitment to community empowerment by involving local small businesses. Visitors can expect to see Banjarnegara batik, bamboo crafts, and purwaceng products showcased as part of the festival’s economic outreach.

Attendance at the main venue, the Arjuna Temple complex, will remain limited to protect the fragile cultural and environmental landscape of the Dieng Plateau.

“Restrictions are necessary to safeguard the heritage site and the delicate soil conditions, ensuring the festival continues to benefit the local economy without compromising preservation,” Alif emphasized. ***