What are rock concerts like in Jakarta?

I did a lot of Googling before I went to Jakarta and I still had no idea what to expect. It’s particularly difficult to find any information about getting up front since not everyone is into that. My experiences were mostly the same as they would be anywhere else, but I decided to write about it anyway so others like me know what to expect.

Contents:

1. Do people queue early?
2. What is entry like?
3. Are rock concerts in Jakarta safe for solo female travellers?
4. What are the crowds like?
5. How are the venue staff?
6. Should you dress modestly?
7. Some tips if you plan to queue early
8. Conclusion

Do people queue early?

They might for huge pop acts, but for most rock concerts, midday is considered early. I arrived at about 11:30 for Green Day and there were no more than 20 people there.

What is entry like?

Only female staff can search women and only male staff can search men. Otherwise, entry is the same as it is everywhere else – the gates open and everyone runs if you’re near the front of the queue. If you’re further back, obviously, it won’t be as frantic.

Are rock concerts in Jakarta safe for solo female travellers?

Yes. You’ll see other women on their own in the queue and inside the venue. There won’t be any issues with drunk men because the venues don’t sell alcohol. If you’re up front, don’t expect any personal space, but women who are further back are often given space.

I actually felt safer in Jakarta than I do at concerts in England. Everyone I spoke to was lovely and we all looked out for each other.

What are the crowds like?

You can be sure they’ll be loud! Rock music is a huge deal in Indonesia. Small, highly-anticipated shows in cramped venues are likely to be physically crazy, but bigger ones might not be as crazy as you’d expect. I thought I’d be a pancake on the front row at Green Day but my back was only ever lightly brushed. Lots of people were filming. There were mosh pits further back though.

How are the venue staff?

At big shows they tend to be very good. They give out plenty of water and react quickly if there’s a problem or someone needs help.

Should you dress modestly?

Only if you want to. No-one cares what foreigners wear to gigs. You’ll even see some Indonesian women in hijab with their sleeves rolled up.

Some tips if you plan to queue early

Jakarta is always hot and humid. Sorry to sound like your mother, but you must protect yourself from the heat if you’re going to sit in a queue for hours, even if you think you’re used to that kind of temperature.

Take at least 2 litres of water in a bag you can throw away when doors open. Also make sure you’ve got something that shields your neck and head from the sun. I recommend a cooling scarf – you pour water on it and it stays cold until it dries out. Mine is like a hood I can drape over my head. The brand is Sukeen and I can confirm it works, but they’re pretty much all the same, so just search for ‘cooling towel’ or ‘cooling scarf’ on whatever website you like to order from.

Loose linen clothes are always a good call, but the average cotton band shirt will be fine, too. Just avoid polyester if you can.

Conclusion

I hope this helps someone else wondering what to expect from rock shows in Jakarta. I had a great time there, and the Singaporean fan next to me at Green Day said she’d go to more shows in Jakarta in the future. If you’re considering it for whatever reason, do it!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask below.