Nearly Extinct, Gamelan Resounds Again in Madurejo

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) — Madurejo village, in Prambanan sub-district, Sleman regency, Yogyakarta, has an interesting story about its gamelan musicians and ensembles. In the outlying area, the sound of the traditional music can often be heard in several hamlets.

The musicians, who belong to arts groups, have begun bringing gamelan music back to life with a shared aim: to preserve the cultural heritage.

This revival is relatively recent. The area reportedly had several long-established gamelan groups, but their existence was threatened by declining interest among younger generations in the culture of their ancestors.

On the brink of extinction

Administratively, Madurejo is divided into 16 hamlets. According to Madurejo village secretary Hartoto Wahyudi, there were initially nine gamelan sets distributed across the hamlets. However, they had fallen into disrepair and were neglected because they were no longer being used.

Of the many gamelan groups, only the Madularas karawitan ensemble continued to play. Even then, it did not perform regularly, and most of its members were over 70 years old.

Hartoto said the situation was a shared concern, as the continuity of Madurejo’s karawitan groups was at risk.

“This is a problem in every village and even nationally, because people’s interest in gamelan culture is waning, particularly among young people,” he said.

In response to these concerns, the organisers of the Madurejo Cultural Village took the initiative to revive karawitan groups in every hamlet. The effort began in 2024 with a training programme for participants ranging from young children to adults.