On a remote stretch of coastline off the island of Bali, Indonesia, lies the Bali Festival Park, an abandoned theme park long forgotten by time. With its overgrown vegetation, sprawling graffiti, and tales of roaming spirits, the park is taken right out of a post-apocalyptic film. But the hauntingly beautiful scene isn’t just popular with urban explorers; it’s also the unlikely venue for Jia CURATED, an annual festival that celebrates design, culture, and creativity.

This year, over 150 Indonesian and international brands are participating in the exhibition, showcasing a diverse array of work from architects, interior designers, fragrance creators, sculptors, and more. The exhibitions are also accompanied by live performances and music that pay homage to Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. The heart of the festival pulses with gotong royong, an Indonesian philosophy and spirit that celebrates communal cooperation in society instead of hyper-individualism.

Now in its fourth year, Jia CURATED has always embraced nature as part of its identity. The first two editions took place in a forest, while the last two—including this year’s—are set against the backdrop of the Bali Festival Park. Originally built in 1997, the park spans over 10,000 square meters and was among Indonesia’s most advanced theme parks at the time. But just three years after opening, the park closed down due to financial issues and insurance complications. Today, the park lies in ruins, with shattered glass and spray-painted walls. Nature has reclaimed much of the space that once promised a tourism boost for Bali.

There’s definitely something oddly poetic about hosting a design festival in such a setting; it’s a quiet reminder that all we create will eventually return to the earth. Even the festival’s name, Jia, which means “home” in Chinese, echoes the sentiment that nature is our true home. Among this year’s key exhibitions is the “Waste to Wonder” series, which transforms discarded materials into functional designs. It’s a reflection on sustainability and imagination, breathing new life into forgotten spaces—just as the festival itself seeks to revitalize a ghost town.

Jia CURATED runs from August 14 to 18. For tickets and more information, visit the Jia CURATED website. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness where decay and design converge.

Cover image via Travelrebels.