South-East Asia Destination

By: Pushpitha Wijesinghe
Visitors to Jakarta, Indonesia are likely to find a selection of exotic delights and a nation that is very much dedicated to uplifting their economy. Like most Asian countries, Indonesia is mindful of its occupants that come from beyond its shores and is respectful of its past whilst being a land full of artists, leaders, thinkers, movers and shakers.

Sponsored by AXIS, the AXIS Jakarta International Java Soulnation Festival is scheduled to happen on the 30th and the 31st of September 2009 at Istora Senayan Jakarta. With much encouragement from the Tourist Board, this festival claim to be the first and only rap, hip hop and R&B festival to be held in the Southeast Asian region. Both internationally famed and acclaimed artists along with local artists are set to take stage during this 2 day festival.

Last years festival saw the likes of Akon, Ashanti, Blackstreet and famous DJs Soul ID, Panji amongst several others. There is much preparation and special events that will take place at this years festival. The Road to AXIS Soulnation Festival that commenced on the 6th of July ’09 had several competitions held in major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya and Bandung for locals bands, freestyle dance, rap artists and beat box bands who compete to take the stage in the October festival.

Artists that have confirmed their participation include the likes of Arrested Development, DJ Mi$$ Yellow, Havana Brown, Jessica Maulboy, Musiq Soulchild and Tortured Soul. Whilst on the wish list and yet to be confirmed as to their participation are Estelle, Flo Rida, Joe Flizzow, John Legend, Joss Stone, Laura Izibor and Pete Philly and Perquisite.

There are other schedule special events like an area for extreme sports, a rap battle and b-boy battle. With the focus still on the music world, Jakarta will also host the Java Jazz festival to be held in March 2010 at the Jakarta International Expo Keymayoran. With much to do and see in Jakarta, and the several accommodation options galore, Ascott Jakarta comes to mind with its exceptional furnished apartments in Jakarta. One of the more preferred leisure and Jakarta corporate housing options to choose from, that is close to some of the most popular tourist attractions in Jakarta.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.