Jazz filled the air at the Borobudur temple in Magelang, Central Java, with dozens of jazz musicians performing at the annual Borobudur Jazz Festival on May 15.

The highlight of the event was the performance of the country’s veteran jazz musicians, Krakatau, bringing the theme, Krakatau Reunion.

The band, which was formed in 1985, brought back the fond memory of the 1980s for jazz lovers who are now in their 40s, playing their hit songs.

Krakatau band members: keyboardists Dwiki Dharmawan and Indra Lesmana, lead singer Trie Utami, drummer Gilang Ramadhan, guitarist Doni Suhendra and bassist Pra B Dharma, enlivened the historic performance.

“All the band members are here now,” Trie Utami addressed the crowd, which included Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo.

The band sang their hit songs, including "Kau Datang”, "Gemilang", and "La Samba Primadona."

Aside from Krakatau, veteran musician Mus Mujiono and Grammy Award winning American pianist Jeff Lorber took part in the festival.

The annual event created a unique atmosphere: the celebration of reunion through jazz being performed using the country’s largest Buddhist temple as its majestic backdrop. It also featured many acts that played genres other than jazz. [dmr]

JP/ Tarko Sudiarno