Joyland Festival announces cancellation of November edition in Jakarta
“Rather than push forward with something that didn’t feel fully right, we chose to pause, to reflect, and to preserve what makes Joyland meaningful in the first place.”
On Tuesday, August 12, Joyland Festival announced that its Jakarta edition originally set for November 28-30 will not take place this year.
Blind tickets had been on sale since April this year.
In an Instagram post, the festival wrote: “After much thought and consideration, we've made the difficult decision that Joyland Festival will not take place this year as originally planned… For 2025, we've chosen to take a step back to stay true to who we are and to honor the kind of experience we believe Joyland should be.”
Ferry Dermawan, Program Director of Joyland Festival, told Mixmag Asia, “It wasn’t an easy decision, and we didn’t take it lightly. However, after multiple internal discussions and deep listening we realised we were at a crossroads. Joyland has always been about more than just putting artists on stage; it’s about creating a complete ecosystem of experience, energy, and intentionality.”
He continued: “This year, we felt that continuing as planned would mean compromising on that vision. Rather than push forward with something that didn’t feel fully right, we chose to pause, to reflect, and to preserve what makes Joyland meaningful in the first place.”
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Ferry also noted changes in the region’s music scene: “Asia's live event scene is evolving fast… But that also brings challenges: rising costs and tighter schedules.”
He also adds that Indonesia’s market has been slower compared to strong turnouts at Fuji Rock and Clockenflap.
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“Many local festivals are not seeing the same kind of traction. We’re paying close attention to that shift, and rather than push Joyland forward in a difficult market just because it's expected of us, we thought it was better to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. So, when we return, we do it right, or maybe even reassess the scale of the festival to match what the moment truly calls for.”
Over the years, Joyland has hosted top-tier regional and international talents including Jazzy Sport, M.I.A., Phoenix, Balming Tiger, St. Vincent, AIR, James Blake, Todd Terje, and Gilles Peterson, alongside cult electronic acts such as Rán Cap Duôi, Mong Tong, PRAED, and Flora Yin Wong.
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Its Lily Pad Stage has become a destination for experimental and dance music, spotlighting artists from across Asia and beyond.
Ticket holders for the now-cancelled November edition in Jakarta will receive full refunds.
“To everyone who’s supported us, thank you. We know this decision is disappointing, but it comes from a place of care and long-term thinking. Joyland has always been about more than just music; it’s about building something meaningful, and sometimes that means taking a step back,” Ferry states.
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
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