The traditional musical ensemble of Indonesia is called the Gamelan. It is an indigenous orchestra primarily from the islands of Java, Bali, and Sunda, composed mainly of percussive instruments such as metallophones, gongs, drums (kendang), xylophones, bamboo flutes (suling), and stringed instruments like the rebab and siter. Vocalists may also be part of the ensemble, with female singers called sindhen and male singers called gerong. Gamelan music is characterized by its intricate layering of melodic and rhythmic patterns, with instruments often playing interlocking parts to form a unified rhythm. The tuning systems are unique to each gamelan set, with scales such as pelog and slendro. The ensemble plays a vital role in religious rituals, traditional theatre, ceremonies, festivals, and concerts. It is also used for music therapy and is deeply connected to Indonesian cultural identity, with historical roots dating back to at least the 8th century, as evidenced by reliefs on the Borobudur temple. The ensemble typically includes:
- Metallophones (metal bars struck with mallets)
- Various types of gongs (including the large gong ageng)
- Drums (kendang) that lead the ensemble
- Bamboo flutes (suling)
- String instruments such as the rebab and siter
- Vocalists (sindhen and gerong)
Gamelan was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021, highlighting its cultural significance and continued practice across generations in Indonesia
