5 reasons why you should go to We The Fest Jakarta

Less than two hours away is We The Fest, a music festival in Jakarta that rivals Laneway and Neon Lights

1. The organisers are Indonesia's trusted guys in lifestyle and entertainmentChristian Rijanto heads up Ismaya Live, which is Ismaya's live event production arm. The Ismaya group heads trendy restaurants such as Blowfish, Social House, Tokyo Belly and Publik Markette. As festival producers, they organise big-time ones such as Jakarta's We The Fest (WTF) every August and Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) every December; and Bali's Sunny Sunny Side Up Tropical Fest every August. They've also organised solo concerts for the likes of Katy Perry, One Direction and Marshmello, as well as a culinary festival later in the year. In its ninth edition, DWP is basically Indonesia's answer to ZoukOut, lineup-wise. WTF enters its fourth edition this year. Last year saw 27,000 people over two days — 400 of which were from Singapore.

2. The lineup's a good mix of international and regional namesThis year's lineup boasts artists touring in support of their new albums like Phoenix and Dua Lipa, as well as names across various genres such as The Kooks, Yuna, Wave Racer and Snakehips. Highlights from the Indonesian acts include festival debuts Goodnight Electric, Ramengvrl, Silampukau and Mondo Gascaro. Meanwhile, returning to WTF with new material are Elephant Kind and Scaller.

3. It'll be held at a new venueNot new to Indonesians at least, but to WTF. With their previous venue — Parkir Timur Senayan — under renovation, the festival is moving to JIExpo Kemayoran, which is also the same venue for DWP. It's as accessible as the former, and not only is this venue bigger, it's not as grassy — you'll thank Ismaya Live if and when it rains. Top tip: If you really want to treat yourself, book one of their five cabanas for the ultimate squad experience. It comes with couches, picnic tables, a personal butler, a private toilet and an exclusive terrace with an elevated view of the stage.

4. WTF brings together the best of Coachella and LollapaloozaUndoubtedly influenced by two of the biggest music festivals in the world, WTF named one of their stages Clownchella before branding it as their own WTF Stage. Another stage was also called Bananapalooza before it was renamed. Establishing themselves as a music festival with their own identity, WTF has grown up create their own signature stages, zones and characters.

5. It's not all about the musicFestivals always tout this in their calling cards, but WTF lives up to their promise. Apart from the music lineup, they've consistently pushed the arts, fashion and food elements — which is unsurprising, given Ismaya's strong lifestyle identity — to give festival-goers a variety of experiences. Eats and Beats is where you fuel up with nosh from Ismaya's F&B establishments, while a carnival-like zone will allow you to make your own souveniers, tote bags and dreamcatchers. Last year, a music bus allowed sound-hounds to pick up vinyls, casettes and CDs.

We The Fest happens from 11 to 13 August at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta. Book tickets.

Source: 5 reasons why you should go to We The Fest Jakarta