KAJE debuts with Asia-first programming in the highlands of Bali

Blackout Agency has announced KAJE, a new music gathering set to take place in the Bali highlands on September 25-27.

Moving away from the island's typical coastal club circuit, it takes place at Bagus Agro Pelaga, which is an 18-hectare agricultural eco-farm in the central highlands that boasts views of three mountains; Mount Agung, Mount Abang, and Mount Batur.

Zach Kim, who has run Blackout out of Bali for the past four years, leads the project.

Speaking to Mixmag Asia, Kim explained the decision to move inland: “Moving up to the mountains is exactly what we intended, the coastal area tend to be overcrowded with tourists and can get very hectic. We also wanted to showcase a different side of Bali's nature and nightlife.”

On how artists are briefed for the distinct setting, he keeps it simple: “With all the artists we work with, we never really give them a direction, we just send them the pictures of the venue and say ‘This is where you are playing, It's a beautiful spot. Work your magic.’”

The venue includes 48 resort rooms and an on-site campsite. Programming runs across two days, with daytime sets covering live acts, ambient, disco, funk, soul, and Indonesian rare groove, shifting into house and techno from sunset onward.

Read this next: Bali beyond the usual: insider picks for your island getaway

Phase One of the line-up has been announced and features a strong list of names from the local scene and across the region: Dekadenz, Sunju Hargun, Ouissam, Daytime Dancing, Hammy, Zoot, Danny Satria, Bagvs, and Sunset Arrival, with further names to be announced.

Art runs alongside the music; Indonesian artist Didin Jirot will present his Totem Of Frequency installation alongside a curated listening session with Millers Records.

Read this next: A photographic walk through Rainbow Disco Club's hillside

Balinese collective Kala Patha and visual artist Reza Hasni will also exhibit pieces across the venue.

“This is about giving back to the scene and the island that has shaped us. There is an incredible wealth of talent right here in Indonesia and across Asia, and KAJE is about putting those artists and crews centre stage—prioritising culture, collaboration, and creativity over commercial spectacle,” Kim underlines.

Tickets are on sale now; secure yours here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

Never miss a beat. Subscribe to our Scene Report newsletter or follow us on Instagram.