GIANYAR, balitourismnow.com – Taiwan Beats 2026 brought together five musicians from Taiwan and Indonesia at Biji World, Ubud, Bali, on Saturday, August 22, 2026. That evening, the two stages at Biji World hosted the event, marking the culmination of a series of music industry exchange activities in Bali.
The event was part of the Taiwan-Indonesia Music Exchange & Business Matching Event, held in Bali and Jakarta from August 21–25, 2026. It was organized by the Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development (BAMID) under Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture.
“Taiwan Beats is here to deepen understanding between the music industries of Taiwan and Indonesia. The two countries already share close cultural ties, including through music,” said Taiwan Beats 2026 Chairperson, Phil Tang during a press conference prior to the performance.
That evening, Taiwan representatives LINION and MANAGONI each presented their distinctive musical styles, combining R&B rhythms with flowing soul melodies and groundbreaking contemporary sound art. Their performances showcased the diversity and richness of Taiwan’s popular music scene. The show was enjoyed not only by visitors from Taiwan but also by international tourists from various countries who were visiting Ubud.
LINION is one of the few R&B musicians and producers in the Asian music scene who leads his performances while playing bass. He combines Neo-Soul, R&B, and funk to create a laid-back groove. Skilled in writing songs in both Mandarin and English, LINION possesses a natural charisma that resonates with international audiences.
Meanwhile, MANAGONI explores the fusion of music, sound art, and visual technology, focusing on developing a unique contemporary musical experience through cross-disciplinary collaboration.
“The presence of these two musicians is part of Taiwan Beats’ effort to connect Taiwanese musicians and their work with Indonesia’s music ecosystem. Through the showcase, direct interaction between musicians and audiences is also an important part of the program,” Tang explained.
For Tang, such exchange opportunities could expand into other areas of the creative industries. He believes the relationship between Taiwan and Indonesia offers considerable potential for development through cross-border projects.
“I believe cross-border initiatives like this can become one of the avenues through which Taiwan and Indonesia deepen their cooperation in the future. Such initiatives can also open up exciting opportunities to strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Indonesia,” Tang said.
Representing Bali, Rhythm Rebels featured Reza Achman on drums and Rizal Hadi, who played a variety of instruments of his own creation, including bamboo didgeridoo, bamboo upright bass, synthesizer, and others. Based in Ubud, the duo combines their musical strengths to create a unique blend of energetic roots music.
ROBOKIDS, consisting of Deda (vocals and bass), Meta (synthesizer and vocals), and Abenk (drums), creates music that not only entertains but also inspires and brings a fresh color to Indonesia’s music industry. Meanwhile, Adam Alydrus, a live-looping and world music musician from Kalimantan who is now based in Bali, blends diverse sounds, rhythms, and cultural influences from various parts of the world, including Indonesia, the Middle East, the Balkans, and Africa.
Rhythm Rebels, Robokids, and Adam Alydrus delivered their best performances that evening as musicians who have long been active in the local music scene. Musicians from both sides enthusiastically interacted with the audience, creating a distinctive and memorable “Taiwan Night.”
“In Taiwan, many popular songs actually have influences from Indonesia. I also have many Indonesian bands that I enjoy, and I have attended the Java Jazz Festival several times,” said Phil Tang, Chairperson of Taiwan Beats 2026.
He emphasized that exchanges such as Taiwan Beats are needed to create more opportunities for industry players from both countries to get to know one another. He also sees significant potential that has yet to be fully explored in Taiwan-Indonesia music relations.
“This shows that audiences in both countries still have plenty of room to get to know each other better. We have enormous room for growth, and that is one of the meanings of the exchange we are undertaking today. In other words, we need to deepen mutual understanding,” he said.
Phil Tang explained that the gathering brought together around 30 key figures from the music industries of both countries. Among them were Rizal Hadi, founder of Ubud FolkFest, and Wu Ting-Kuan, a Taiwanese academic who researches arts and culture as well as Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan. The discussions explored the music ecosystems and creative environments of both countries.
According to Tang, Indonesia is one of the most populous countries in Southeast Asia and a potential cultural partner with particularly close connections to Taiwan through migrant workers and new immigrants. For this reason, BAMID led a business delegation of nearly 20 members from Taiwan’s music industry to visit Antida Music, one of Bali’s leading music production companies.
“This year (2026), the program is entering Indonesia for the first time. Beginning August 21, the delegation embarked on a five-day series of visits, focusing on two regions, Bali and Jakarta,” Tang explained.
During the program, the delegation conducted direct business exploration with music festival curators, record labels, venue operators, and local media to maximize opportunities for Taiwan’s popular music industry in the Southeast Asian market.
“One of the main exchange agendas is the Taiwan Beats Showcase tonight,” he said.
Before the Taiwan Beats Showcase Night, the program began with a seminar titled “From Mobility to Connection: How the Music Ecosystem of Indonesian Migrant Workers and New Immigrants in Taiwan Can Become a New Gateway for Taiwan-Indonesia Exchange.” The seminar featured Wu Ting-Kuan from Taiwan and Rizal Hadi from Bali as speakers.