Chap Goh Meh in Singkawang

In West Kalimantan Province, Singkawang’s sizeable ethnic Chinese community celebrates Chinese New Year with the participation of Malay and Dayak communities. The 15th day of Chinese New Year – Chap Goh Meh – holds special significance for locals, who believe that the gods converge on Singkawang during this time.

Moreover, beyond the vibrant lion and dragon dances, Chap Goh Meh in Singkawang showcases Tatung spiritual mediums, who perform remarkable feats to ward off evil spirits. These spiritualists enter trances, apparently self-mutilating by piercing their cheeks and tongues and stepping on swords.

The festival is held throughout Singkawang, with the most significant celebrations occurring around the Kridasana Stadium in the heart of the city.

Festival date: Feb. 8, 2020

Waisak in Borobudur

Waisak is considered a crucial celebration for Indonesian Buddhists, representing the Buddha’s birth, death, and enlightenment.

On the full moon, marking the eve of the festival, the magnificent Borobudur temple in Magelang becomes the central focus for a solemn procession in the moonlight. Thousands of Buddhists, including monks, nuns, and laypeople, walk from Mendut Temple, carrying holy fire and water to a sacred altar on Borobudur’s western side.

After encircling the temple three times, participants receive blessings from esteemed Buddhist gurus before releasing around a thousand sky lanterns, symbolizing their wishes for enlightenment to extend across humanity.

Festival date: May 7, 2020

Bali Arts Festival

Every July, the vibrant island of Bali transforms into a cultural epicenter during one of Indonesia’s largest arts festivals. First established in 1979, this celebration initially aimed to promote a love for the arts. Over the years, it has grown significantly, now celebrating artists and cultural disciplines from Bali and beyond.

Beginning on the second Saturday of June at the Werdi Budaya Art Center in Denpasar, numerous cultural events unfold, featuring everything from barong dances to Balinese ballet recitals. Other highlights include documentary screenings, culinary showcases, arts exhibits, and live gamelan orchestras.

Festival date: June 13 – July 11, 2020

Jakarta Fair Kemayoran

The bustling city of Jakarta hosts Indonesia’s largest fair every June at the Jakarta International Exhibition Center. Coinciding with the city’s founding anniversary on June 22, the Jakarta Fair spans an entire month, featuring musical performances, carnivals, and the beloved Miss Jakarta pageant.

Initially launched as a night market at Merdeka Square, the fair eventually outgrew its original venue and relocated to Kemayoran near the historic airport. Additionally, with around 2,000 pavilions showcasing Indonesia’s finest handicrafts, produce, and various products, visitors are also treated to incredible street food.

For further details, visit the official site: www.jakartafair.co.id.

Festival date: June 22, 2020

Toraja International Festival

The Toraja community in the highlands of South Sulawesi warmly invites visitors to participate in their annual festival each July or August, showcasing various cultural rituals unique to their heritage.

This “International” aspect is enhanced by global artists who have previously participated, adding a diverse flavor to the festivities. Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy both the performances and the stunning backdrop of the Toraja villages, known for their distinctive upturned-roof houses.

Festival date: TBA

Yadnya Kasada on Bromo

The Tenggerese people, residing in the farmlands surrounding Mount Bromo, trace their ancestry to Hindus from the Majapahit era. Their ancestors, a couple named Roro Anteng and Joko Seger, petitioned the gods for children and were instructed to sacrifice their 25th child by throwing them into the volcano crater.

While contemporary Tenggerese no longer perform human sacrifices, during the 14th day of the Kasada month, they gather at the Bromo crater to offer money, live chickens, flowers, and food as offerings to the gods. Interestingly, some local non-Hindus scavange for these sacrifices, adding an element of intrigue to the festival.

This event welcomes visitors, although proximity to the crater is advised for a better experience.

Festival date: July 17-18, 2020

Dieng Culture Festival

The mist-covered Dieng plateau in Central Java has a unique tradition: children develop natural dreadlocks as a rite of passage. Upon reaching a certain age, these children undergo a ritual hair shaving ceremony known as Ruwatan Anak Gimbal in August.

This ceremony, set at the 8th-century Dieng Temple complex, transforms the site into a vibrant celebration filled with feasting, shadow play performances, fireworks, and the release of traditional lanterns. To add contemporary appeal, a film festival also coincides with these cultural festivities.

Festival date: Aug. 2, 2020

Baliem Valley Festival

The Baliem Valley Festival highlights the cultural richness of Indonesian Papua. To reach this magnificent valley in the clouds, adventurers must trek through the Jayawijaya Mountains on New Guinea’s island.

During this vibrant festival, tribal members don their best traditional attire, showcasing rich Papuan cultural traditions through events such as pig-racing and spear-throwing contests. The festival’s highlight includes a mock war fought by approximately fifty warriors in full regalia, accompanied by traditional Pikon music.

In addition to experiencing the cultural performances, visitors can indulge in local cuisine and even wear traditional koteka (penis sheath), immersing themselves in the Papuan lifestyle!

Festival date: Aug. 6 – 8, 2020

Bandung Great Sale

Bandung, known for its active volcanoes and colonial architecture, has made a name for itself as a shopping hub, particularly famous for its affordable clothing stemming from numerous nearby factories. The Bandung Great Sale amplifies these savings.

Spanning a month between September and October, this event consolidates the city’s factory outlets, malls, and dining options, offering unbeatable deals across the board. Bargains extend even to hospitals and local food vendors!

The main factory outlets located along Juanda, Riau, and Setiabudi streets attract thousands of visitors from near and far (even Malaysians often fly directly from Kuala Lumpur for this sale).

Festival date: 2020 dates TBA

Lake Toba Festival

Every December, the Lake Toba Festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of North Sumatra. The indigenous Batak community expresses gratitude for the year’s blessings through a vibrant feast that features Batak opera, tortor dance, and demonstrations of ulos weaving, accompanied by exciting boat races.

Lake Toba, once the site of a massive volcanic eruption over 70,000 years ago, is now the largest and one of the deepest lakes in Southeast Asia, serving as a peaceful home for the Batak people who engage in fishing and trade around its shores.

Festival date: 2020 dates TBA