Getting to Know Ten Traditional Musical Instruments from Betawi

VIVA – Indonesia is known for its extraordinary cultural wealth; one is traditional musical instruments that have been passed down from generation to generation. Traditional musical instruments were made in certain areas, so musical instruments from one region to another must be different.

Just like other regions, the Betawi tribe from Jakarta also has a variety of distinctive traditional musical instruments. The role of Betawi musical instruments deserves to be preserved. Well, here are ten traditional musical instruments from Betawi which are the result of acculturation from various cultures.

1. Gambang

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Gambang

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• Tangkapan layar instagram/batik_semar

Gambang is a traditional Betawi musical instrument made of wooden blades that open 18 blades and are shaped like a boat.

The woods commonly used to make Gambang are cinnamon, suangking, and ahlu batu. Each wooden slat can produce a different tone according to its size. Gambang works as an accompanist in the art of Gambang Kromong.

2. Kromong

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Kesenian Gambang Kromong.

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• http://www.reinha.com

Kromong is also known as bonang. If the Gambang is made of wood, then the kromong is made of metal. The way to play the Gambang and the Kromong instrument is the same as being hit. The function of the Kromong or bonang is to carry the main melody of other musical instruments.

3. Gambang Rancag

Gambang Rancag consists of two elements, namely Gambang and Rancag. Gambang means the accompanying music and design as the story tells. Gambang rancag is a song that tells Betawi folklore in the form of related rhymes. Gambang Rancag generally performs good plays such as Si Pitung, Si Jampang, and Si Angkri.

4. Marawis

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Kerajinan Alat Musik Marawis

Photo :

• Antara/Wahyu Putro A

Marawis is a traditional musical instrument as a result of a blend of culture between Betawi culture and Middle Eastern culture. This Betawi musical instrument is famous in Indonesia, even been adapted as a Bengkulu musical instrument.

Marawis has a shape resembling a tambourine, but there are differences in shape. Marawis also has a stockier shape than the tambourine which has a flatter shape.

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Marawis is divided into three parts based on the stroke or tone produced. Zapin has a slower tone. Sarah, has a more vibrant rhythm and tone. Zahefah has a lively tone or rhythm but is more suitable for accompanying religious songs.