Pesta Malam Indonesia 3

Ask anyone who was there—Pesta Malam Indonesia 2, organised by Fat Boys Records, was a right blast. Held at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club, the all-day music fest boasted Indonesia's best bands, like Samsons, Dewi Dewi, Sheila On 7, Slank, Ungu and Peterpan. Even our local boys Hujan and Meet Uncle Hussain got in on the stage action, although in a now memorable incident, Noh (frontman of Hujan) had to leave the stage halfway through the band's performance as he was about to pass out from the heat and dehydration.

That wasn't the only hullabaloo of the night that had to do with the heat. Ariel, lead singer of Indonesian über-band Peterpan, stirred up controversy of a different kind when he took off his shirt during Peterpan's set. Oo-er, people are so easily riled up by antics like these aren't they? Still, these incidents couldn't take away the fact that the music was strong and nobody can rock quite like the Indonesians. The madness will most likely repeat itself with the third installment of Pesta Malam Indonesia, taking place away on the hard-hitting asphalt of the carpark at Stadium Bukit Jalil.

On the line-up are music heavyweights Padi, Sheila on 7, Andra & The Backbone, Gigi, Dewa and more. Padi has been on the music scene since 1997 and its members, Fadly, Piyu, Ari, Rindra and Yoyok have enjoyed tremendous success throughout the years. Their album, Sesuatu Yang Tertunda has chalked up over a million sales in the domestic market alone, making Padi one of the region's most influential bands. Currently, Padi has a new album out entitled Tak Hanya Diam so look forward to hearing tracks performed live at this festival.

Another big Indonesian act to look out for is Andra & The Backbone, whose live shows are frequently praised. The side project of Andra, guitarist for Dewa who will also be playing at the fest, Andra & The Backbone invaded radio airwaves with monster hits like “Sempurna” and “Musnah.” Expect sing-alongs. Also expect body-surfing, mosh pits and a crowd with an up-for-anything attitude. This is one festival not for the faint-hearted and we totally love it for that!

Text Sarah Chan