Indonesia's September 2025 Tourism Guide: From Jakarta to Yogyakarta

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As September 2025 begins, several Indonesian cities are set to host a wide variety of vibrant events. From cultural festivals and literary exhibitions to music concerts and sweet culinary bazaars, these gatherings offer tourists a rich experience filled with art, entertainment, and creativity.

Here is a summary of the top tourism and lifestyle events happening this month.

Jakarta Events

Dessert Markt Bazaar

Sweet food enthusiasts can indulge in the Dessert Markt Bazaar 2025 from September 4–14 at Central Park Mall. As part of Jakarta Dessert Week, this bazaar will feature a wide range of desserts, including artisan cakes, ice cream, pastries, and sweet drinks from local brands.

The mall will be decorated with a colorful, thematic design, perfect for photos. On weekends, visitors can also attend baking demonstrations and workshops. This event is ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking to enjoy sweet treats in the city center.

Yogyakarta Events

Jogja Book Fair 2025

The Jogja Book Fair 2025 will be held from September 4–14 at Grhatama Pustaka, Dinas Perpustakaan dan Arsip Daerah DIY. With the theme "Literacy, Inclusion, and Welfare," this annual exhibition is highly anticipated by book lovers.

Over eleven days, visitors can browse books from various national publishers, attend discussions and talk shows with authors, and enjoy art performances. A sunset music stage and culinary bazaar will also be part of the event, making it both informative and entertaining.

Jogja Coffee Week

Coffee enthusiasts can head to the Jogja Coffee Week 2025, which will be held from September 5–7. With the theme "Journey to the Brew," this year's event will feature seven different competitions, nearly double the number from last year.

Pasar Kangen TBY Jogja Art Fair

Also in Yogyakarta, the Pasar Kangen TBY 2025 Art Fair will run from September 7–13 at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta. This annual event, which attracts both residents and tourists, will feature a variety of cultural performances, including traditional dances, folk music, classical theater, and regional arts.

Semarang Events

Semarang Old Town Festival

From September 4–14, Semarang will transform its historic Old Town area into a creative space for the Semarang Old Town Festival. With the theme "Color of Unity," the festival will feature orchestra performances, street puppet shows, old-town jazz music, parades, and a nostalgic culinary bazaar. The event will also include a textile exhibition and a final folklore celebration in front of the Marba Building.

Solo Events

Indonesia Umbrella Festival

From September 5–7, Surakarta will host the Indonesia Umbrella Festival at Taman Balekambang. With the theme Catra Panji, this annual event combines performing arts, including dance, music, and fashion shows, with traditional and contemporary umbrella designs.

A culinary market and UMKM (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) exhibition will also be featured, making the festival a hub for cultural expression and economic activity. This festival has been running for more than a decade and has continued to attract tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Surabaya Events

Jazz Traffic Festival

The Jazz Traffic Festival 2025 will return to Surabaya on September 27–28 at Grand City Mall & Convex. Known as one of Indonesia's most consistent jazz events, the festival will feature a lineup of national musicians and a lively concert atmosphere. Over two days, music lovers can enjoy a variety of jazz genres, a culinary area, and creative community booths.

Sumatra Events

Sawahlunto International Songket Silungkang Carnival (SISSCa)

The city of Sawahlunto will host the Sawahlunto International Songket Silungkang Carnival from September 6–7. This cultural event celebrates the beauty of Songket Silungkang with a 950-meter parade, a creative economy exhibition, a seminar, and a songket fashion show by local and international designers.

Sulawesi Events

Pinisi Festival 2025 in Bulukumba

Bulukumba will host the 15th Pinisi Festival from September 11–13. As part of the 2025 Nusantara Karisma Event (KEN), this festival celebrates the tradition of making Pinisi ships, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. The event will include traditional rituals, such as Songkabala Ribantilang (dispelling disaster), Annyorong Lopi (pushing the boat into the sea), as well as Ammosi and Andingingi in the Ammatoa Kajang traditional area.

There will also be an MSME market and a culinary and crafts bazaar, culminating in cultural and artistic performances at Merpati Beach.

Wakatobi Wonderful Festival and Expo (Wakatobi WAVE)

From September 9–14, the Wakatobi WAVE festival will take place in Southeast Sulawesi. Themed "The Uniqueness of Wakatobi's Land and Sea," this hybrid event will feature a maritime cultural carnival, colossal Bajo tribe dance, MSMEs expo, culinary bazaar, fun diving, and underwater photo exhibitions, all aimed at highlighting the region's rich maritime culture and tourism potential.