Music lovers invited to rock out at RITJ 2.0

Members of Nice Stupid Playground and Breathe in Ocean onstage during the roadshow. – Photo by Matthew Umpang

KUCHING (July 21): Music lovers and youths are invited to show their support and grow Rock in The Jungle 2.0 (RITJ 2.0) into one of the state’s premier music festivals that is on par with the renowned Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).

Its spokesperson Zaini Zainuddin said they intend to elevate RITJ to the same level of recognition as RWMF while maintaining its own unique identity.

“We want RITJ to stand proudly beside RWMF. If RWMF celebrates traditional and world music, RITJ highlights modern expression, youth-driven energy and the rock culture that thrives in Sarawak and across the region.

“Sarawak has the capacity to host more than one signature music festival, and RWMF and RITJ can showcase different sides of our culture and appeal to broader audiences,” he told reporters at the festival’s road show event at Plaza Merdeka here yesterday.

Zaini, who is also Sarawak Cultural Village sales, marketing and events director, stressed that RITJ’s goal was not to replace RWMF but to complement it.

He also explained that rock music is often misunderstood and the festival aims to break negative stereotypes surrounding the genre and the festival seeks to diversify Sarawak’s music scene by offering a stage for rock, metal and alternative genres.

“Rock is expression, not aggression. It’s about storytelling, identity and passion. It’s not about chaos or destruction. That’s why through RiTJ, we want to show that rock music is a platform for unity and creativity,” he said.

RiTJ 2.0 is slated for Aug 29 and 30 at the Sarawak Cultural Village and is expected to attract 12,000 attendees—more than double the 5,700-turnout recorded during its debut last year.

This year’s edition will showcase six main acts across two days, featuring an exciting mix of international and local talents, and offers a valuable platform for Sarawakian performers to share the stage with established regional and international names, further elevating the local music scene.

On the opening day, Aug 29, festival-goers can look forward to high-energy performances by Indonesian rock icons Gigi and Kotak, alongside Sarawak’s own celebrated band, Nice Stupid Playground.

Loudness, the iconic Japanese heavy metal outfit, will headline the second day of the festival on August 30 while joining them on stage will be Sarawakian rock bands Fearless and Breathe in Ocean.

Malaysian alternative rock pioneers Hujan will also be part of this year’s lineup.

Known for their genre-blending sound and award-winning hits like ‘Pagi Yang Gelap’ and ‘Bila Aku Sudah Tiada’, Hujan is expected to be a major draw for younger fans.

Zaini said the event welcomes people from all backgrounds, including families and persons with disabilities, and aims to foster a sense of community and inclusion.

Tickets for RiTJ 2.0 are available at with early bird prices running until August 5.

Also present were Authentic Ideas and Event Enterprise managing director Nawen Nawawi and Entrepreneurs SDGS Empowerment Foundation vice chairman Bryan Lee.

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