Deputy Governor Dimyati: Ngadu Bedug Tradition Strengthens Banten's Cultural Identity

Tangerang (ANTARA) - Deputy Governor of Banten Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah stated that the Ngadu Bedug tradition, a key identifier of Pandeglang Regency’s religious character—‘a thousand ulama and a million santri’—strengthens cultural identity amid modernisation. Deputy Governor Dimyati said the art and culture of Ngadu Bedug must be preserved and protected, as the tradition has consistently been a key identity for Banten’s community. He said the Gebrag Ngadu Bedug event in Pandeglang Regency, Banten, opened on Friday night (29 May), serves as a gathering for Nusantara composers, artists, cultural communities, and creative economy actors in a vibrant and competitive cultural celebration. However, cultural preservation efforts must intensify with the times, as the Ngadu Bedug tradition is continuously passed down to younger generations to remain relevant in society. ‘The success of Gebrag Ngadu Bedug re-entering the Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) is a significant achievement for Pandeglang Regency and Banten Province,’ he said. He stressed that the KEN status must be maintained through annual, sustained events to strengthen and preserve the community’s culture. ‘Since it has been included in KEN, the event must not stop. It must continue and be developed annually,’ he added. Meanwhile, Pandeglang Regency Bedug Artists Association Chairman Endang Suhendar said Gebrag Ngadu Bedug emerged from community traditions passed down through generations. He stated the bedug is not merely a musical instrument but a communication medium and part of Pandeglang’s social life. ‘The bedug is not just a sound-making tool. It is a village language passed down through generations,’ he said. Twenty Bedug villages from across Pandeglang participated in the event. Besides serving as a cultural preservation medium, the activity also provides economic benefits to the community through the movement of MSMEs, trade, creative economy, and local tourism sectors.