KUCHING – The excitement was unmistakable at Star on Stage, Jalan Borneo, as hundreds of rock music fans, partners, and invited guests gathered for the much-anticipated Rock in the Jungle (RiTJ) 2.0 Meet & Greet. The pre-festival event, held just opposite the Hilton Hotel, set the tone for what promises to be two unforgettable nights of music at the Sarawak Cultural Village this weekend.
The lively session gave fans a rare opportunity to meet their favourite artists up close. Popular rock acts from Malaysia and across Southeast Asia — including Hujan, Nice Stupid Playground, Kotak, Gigi, Fearless and Breathe in Ocean — interacted directly with fans through photo sessions, autograph signings and casual conversations. For many in attendance, this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment to engage personally with the musicians whose songs have shaped their lives.
The Meet & Greet was officiated by YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Arts and Performing Arts Sarawak. In his speech, he commended the organisers and highlighted how events like RiTJ not only entertain but also strengthen Sarawak’s image as a growing hub for music and cultural tourism. He said Rock in the Jungle is more than just music as it brings people together, fills hotels, supports local businesses and shows the world that Sarawak is alive with creativity and culture.
The event was also graced by esteemed representatives from the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Tourism Malaysia, CatsFM which is the official radio partner of RiTJ 2.0, Sarawak Cultural Village and other festival supporters.
While fans cheered loudly for the regional acts present, the absence of Japanese rock legends Loudness was notable. However, organisers assured fans that the band is scheduled to arrive in Kuching on Friday, 29 August, just in time to headline the second day of the festival. Their performance is expected to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
The Rock in the Jungle 2.0 Festival officially begins on Friday, 29 August, and runs until Saturday, 30 August 2025, at the iconic Sarawak Cultural Village, a venue known worldwide for celebrating music and culture. Gates will open at two o’clock in the afternoon each day, with performances starting promptly at 7.30 in the evening. The first night will feature Malaysia’s very own Hujan and Nice Stupid Playground, alongside Indonesia’s Kotak and Gigi. The second night will see Malaysian bands Breathe in Ocean and Fearless setting the stage before the much-awaited arrival of Loudness from Japan.
A key theme of RiTJ 2.0 this year is sustainability. Organisers have pledged to reduce the environmental footprint of the event by introducing eco-friendly waste management, encouraging the use of reusable materials and spreading awareness of environmental protection. Datuk Snowdan emphasised that this initiative aligns with Sarawak’s wider green tourism goals, ensuring that large-scale events contribute positively to both the economy and the environment.
The Deputy Minister also drew parallels with Sarawak’s world-famous Rainforest World Music Festival, which has brought international attention to the state for more than 25 years. He highlighted how music festivals like RiTJ 2.0 strengthen Sarawak’s identity as a place where diverse cultures, art forms and people come together in harmony. He said music is a force that unites people across languages, borders and generations, and events like RiTJ are proof of Sarawak’s strength in diversity.
With both international and regional rock icons set to perform, coupled with Sarawak’s reputation for hospitality and culture, RiTJ 2.0 is poised to further cement its place on the state’s annual calendar of major events. Beyond the music, the festival contributes significantly to tourism, drawing crowds who will also explore Sarawak’s food, heritage and natural attractions.
The Meet & Greet concluded with roaring applause as fans left with signed memorabilia, selfies and renewed anticipation for the weekend’s concerts. With the stage now set, Rock in the Jungle 2.0 promises a powerful mix of music, culture and sustainability — delivering not just performances, but an experience that will echo under the Bornean night sky for years to come.