{
  "id": 1866411,
  "title": "From Bandung’s forests to Southeast Asia: LaLaLa Festival turns 10",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/from-bandungs-forests-to-southeast-asia-lalala-festival-turns-10",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-19T04:50:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Jakarta Post",
    "slug": "the-jakarta-post",
    "url": "https://www.thejakartapost.com/culture/2026/08/19/from-bandungs-forests-to-southeast-asia-lalala-festival-turns-10.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "LaLaLa Festival commemorates its 10th anniversary in 2026 with a star-studded event in Jakarta, marking a significant milestone for an Indonesian music festival that originated in a forest setting. Founded in 2016 in Cikole, Bandung, West Java, the festival initially stood out for merging music with the natural environment, emphasizing the unique atmosphere created by trees, mist, installations, and the feeling of escapism from the typical festival circuit.\n\nThe forest where the festival began now no longer exists, but the core concept has proven remarkably resilient. After relocating to Jakarta in 2024, LaLaLa has evolved from a local offering into a more ambitious regional brand. The 2026 edition, scheduled for August 22-23 at the Jakarta International Expo, will feature four stages alongside installations and additional festival attractions. This expansion into the Philippines signifies another step toward establishing LaLaLa as a prominent regional festival brand.\n\nThe lineup for the 2026 edition reflects the festival's growing ambitions, featuring international acts like The Flaming Lips, Steve Lacy, Rex Orange County, Two Door Cinema Club, Kodaline, Flo, Jordan Rakei, and others. Despite the presence of high-profile artists, LaLaLa's identity remains rooted in its alternative-pop sensibility and commitment to showcasing emerging musicians with strong character and international potential. Marketing specialist Moura Saffanah emphasizes that the festival's curation extends beyond just the size or commercial appeal of the artists, highlighting the importance of giving such musicians a platform to reach wider audiences.\n\nFor Saffanah, the festival's unique value lies in its ability to offer experiences that streaming algorithms cannot replicate—specifically, the element of surprise. In an era where oversaturation and performative social media presence are prevalent, LaLaLa provides a refuge for Gen Z audiences seeking authentic connections and genuine artistic discovery. As the festival continues to adapt and expand, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of curated, alternative music experiences in a digitally dominated world.",
  "summary": "LaLaLa Festival marks its 10th anniversary with a star-studded Jakarta edition and ambitions to expand beyond Indonesia.",
  "key_points": [
    "LaLaLa Festival turns 10 in 2026 with Jakarta event",
    "Originated in Cikole, Bandung forest in 2016",
    "Expanding to Philippines, featuring international acts"
  ],
  "editors_take": "LaLaLa Festival's 10th anniversary marks its evolution from a local, forest-based event to a regional brand, offering a unique alternative-pop experience that prioritizes artistic discovery and genuine connections over commercial appeal.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}