What makes Java Jazz Festival become legend possibly because it abreast with famous names. But, it greatness can not be exist without the effort and untiring work of all the committee members, especially the icon of JJF itself, Peter F. Gontha.

In Indonesia’s world of business, Peter Gontha’s name linked to some big businesses—as he is as one of the members of the main group or simply he just linked to businesses, such RCTI, SCTV, Grand Hyatt Jakarta, Bali International Resort, PT Chandra Asri Indonesia, PT Tri Polyta Indonesia, Indovision. Now, Peter Gontha’s name attached to PT Java Festival Production, business entity which runs Java Jazz Festival. And his name seems very fit to this last business entity: this is the form of business which combine hobby and business.

PT Java Festival Production managed by only 15 members of main board. But when it is close to the show, there are almost 600 people involve in the show. PT Java Festival Production is able to run convincing because the leader is not just any businessman. This son of Willem Gontha and Alice started from scratch, enriched by lots experiences and has large circle of friends. He experienced as a sailor, taxi driver, waitress, and boat rust cleaner. But his spirit in learning never extinguished. He got the chance to study in Netherlands Praehap Institute with scholarship. Then, he pursued his career in New York Citibank until he reached position as American Express Bank Vice President for Asia.

In jazz showbiz, this 60 years old man assisted by his daughter Dewi Gontha. To Venue (Era Azelia, Catur Ekono, Nurdin Al Fahmi, and Bambang Bujono), Peter Gontha talks about Java Jazz Festival:

 ABOUT THE VENUE

Java Jazz Festival attracts lots of world musicians to come to Indonesia; are we ready with the venue, especially Jakarta Convention Centre?

We only have JCC. So we steer with what we have. Where else? It is not big enough if we use Gedung Kesenian Pasar Baru. In Taman Ismail Marzuki, the place also limited. Hall Jakarta Fair is quite big, but the location is outskirt. Our sponsor demands the show held in JCC.

Even with the risk like last year when the voice was leak…

It sure is will leak again. But that’s ok. It’s a music gig, imperfection is common in every activity. The most important is that everybody feels great and satisfied.