The Inaugural Jakarta Cocktail Week is Coming

Jakarta’s cocktail scene is preparing for a new milestone as Jakarta Cocktail Week 2026 makes its debut from 24 to 28 November. Billed as Indonesia’s first city-wide cocktail festival, the five-day celebration will bring together around 20 international guest bars from nine Asian markets, transforming more than 20 venues across the capital into meeting points for bartenders, cocktail enthusiasts, and industry professionals.

Organised by a committee of local bar owners and hospitality figures, the inaugural festival aims to strengthen Jakarta’s position as an emerging cocktail destination in Southeast Asia. Through international guest shifts, masterclasses, panel discussions, and late-night gatherings, the event creates opportunities for Indonesian bartenders to exchange ideas with some of the region’s most recognised names.

The festivities begin on 24 November at The Gunawarman, featuring a Bangkok trio comprising Dicky Hartono of Firefly, Ryan Dela Vega of Aqua Bar, and Niks Anuman of G.O.D. Over the following days, Jakarta’s bars will welcome guest bartenders from destinations including Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, Osaka, and Guangzhou.

Among the highlights are Bangkok’s Bar US at TARA, Hong Kong’s Argo at Cosmo Pony, Seoul’s Bar Cham at Between The Sips, and Thailand’s Dry Wave at Carrots. The festival concludes on 28 November at Artesian Bar at The Langham, Jakarta, with Andrew Ho of Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame, crowned No.1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026.

A major attraction is the Cocktail Village on 27 November at Sudirman Hall, Sequis Tower, SCBD. The one-day event brings together cocktail booths, food, music, and entertainment, alongside masterclasses and industry discussions featuring figures such as Indra Kantono of Jigger & Pony and Jon Lee of Penrose.

The festival also incorporates a charitable initiative through its Star Bar, featuring prominent Indonesian bartenders alongside Hong Kong’s Bar Leone, named The World’s Best Bar 2026. All profits from the Star Bar’s sales will be donated to charity.

Ahead of the main celebrations, participating venues will introduce special Road to JCW cocktails throughout 1 to 23 November. With its combination of international collaborations and city-wide programming, Jakarta Cocktail Week represents an important step towards connecting Indonesia’s developing cocktail community with the wider Asian bar industry.

For more information, visit @jktcocktailweek.