AKULTURASI BUDAYA CINA + LOKAL - GAMBANG KROMONG | Jakarta’s Music Diary - Eps 2

Summary

Eka Gustiwana reflects on his journey of rediscovering and preserving Indonesian cultural heritage through music. In this insightful narrative, he explores the evolution of traditional instruments like gambang kromong and the fusion of Indonesian and Chinese cultural influences. He emphasizes the challenges of maintaining tradition amidst modernity, especially in the face of dwindling interest and external influences. However, Eka also highlights the importance of creativity and adaptation, urging the younger generation to embrace and preserve their cultural roots. This story of passion and perseverance underscores the need for collective involvement in sustaining cultural legacies.

Takeaways

• 😀 The advancement of technology and speed can sometimes make us forget our own culture, prompting a desire to rediscover and embrace Indonesian art through music.
• 😀 Eka Gustiwana’s journey involves exploring traditional Indonesian music, using regional instruments and reflecting on his roots.
• 😀 Gambang kromong is a traditional musical ensemble born from the cultural fusion of Indonesian and Chinese influences in the 18th century.
• 😀 The gambang kromong ensemble is characterized by various instruments such as gendang, gong, suling, and a unique pentatonic scale called 'Slendro Cina'.
• 😀 The development of gambang kromong involved the addition of instruments over time, with the gendang being one of the last to join.
• 😀 The music style reflects both diatonic and pentatonic scales, showcasing a blend of Western and traditional influences.
• 😀 Eka Gustiwana aims to modernize traditional music, experimenting with new techniques and adapting it to contemporary sounds, while respecting its roots.
• 😀 There is some generational tension regarding the preservation of traditional music, with younger generations bringing fresh perspectives but facing resistance from older musicians.
• 😀 The popularity of traditional arts like gambang kromong has declined in modern Jakarta, largely due to the city's evolving demographic and the decreasing interest from new generations.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, there is hope for reviving traditional music by fostering creativity, engagement with younger people, and leveraging technology to adapt the art form.

Q & A

What inspired Eka Gustiwana to start creating music based on Indonesian cultural art?

Eka Gustiwana was inspired by a sense of longing and unease about the fast-paced technological progress, which often overshadowed traditional cultural practices. His desire to reconnect with and appreciate Indonesian arts led him to explore music and various regional instruments.

How does Eka Gustiwana approach learning and performing Indonesian traditional music?

Eka Gustiwana sees his journey as a process of re-learning and re-loving Indonesian arts, particularly through music. He emphasizes the importance of learning about regional instruments and the art forms of his hometown, Jakarta.

What is Gambang Kromong, and how did it evolve?

Gambang Kromong is a traditional musical ensemble that emerged from the cultural fusion of Indonesian and Chinese traditions, originating in the 18th century. Initially used for ceremonial purposes, it eventually became a source of entertainment, often accompanying performances like 'Lenong' or 'Tari Cokek.'

What makes the instruments in Gambang Kromong unique?

The instruments in Gambang Kromong are distinctive because they include a mix of Chinese and Indonesian elements. Instruments like Kongahyan, Tehyan, Sukong, and others contribute to the ensemble’s rich sound, blending both pentatonic and diatonic scales.

What did Eka Gustiwana say about the use of pentatonic and diatonic scales in Gambang Kromong music?

Eka Gustiwana described Gambang Kromong's scale system as a fusion of pentatonic and diatonic elements. He explained how certain instruments, like the 'Gambang,' use a pentatonic scale, while others might incorporate diatonic tones, creating a blend of both musical systems.

What challenges did Eka Gustiwana face in his musical journey?

Eka Gustiwana faced challenges from older generations who were resistant to new interpretations of traditional music. He also encountered difficulties in preserving cultural practices in Jakarta, as many people were less familiar with or interested in traditional arts.

What role did creativity play in Eka Gustiwana's work with traditional music?

Creativity was central to Eka Gustiwana's approach. He sought to innovate within the traditional framework, experimenting with different scales and incorporating elements of Western music while still respecting the essence of the traditional art form.

How did Eka Gustiwana handle criticism when modifying traditional music?

Despite facing criticism, Eka Gustiwana remained calm and focused on his vision. He acknowledged the generational gap but emphasized the need for innovation to keep cultural traditions relevant to younger generations.

What role does the community play in preserving traditional arts like Gambang Kromong?

Eka Gustiwana stressed that the preservation of traditional arts relies heavily on community involvement. It’s essential for society to engage with and support local artists, creating an ecosystem where art forms can thrive and adapt to modern contexts.

How does Eka Gustiwana envision the future of traditional Indonesian music?

Eka Gustiwana believes that traditional Indonesian music can thrive if it adapts to modern times. By embracing creativity and incorporating technological advancements, traditional arts can remain relevant and continue to be appreciated by future generations.