The gong loses its mystical powers
The Jakarta Post, Surakarta, Central Java
Javanese society is very closely associated with mystical beliefs, including the idea that certain objects are sacred or bring people good luck.
One musical instrument believed to possess such powers is the gong. In old times, this instrument was believed to have the power to create rain during the dry season, ward off misfortune or disease, and even to make plants grow. During this time, the gong was held in the same high regard as other sacred objects, like the kris.
As sacred objects, the gong required special treatment. Ordinary people were not allowed to make, hit or even touch gongs, which come in different sizes. Only certain people were allowed to possess a gong, mostly members of the royalty and puppet masters.
After all these years, is the gong still considered to possess magical powers?
"No," said Sanjaya, 41, a gongmaker. "Now the gong is no longer considered sacred. It is now simply a musical instrument, part of the traditional gamelan orchestra," said the owner of the Panji Gong Agung gamelan manufacturer in Bekonang Sukoharjo.
At one time, he said, orders for the musical instrument came from puppet masters and palaces. But now, almost all hotels have their own gamelan, while some government offices have gongs that are used for ceremonial purposes.
"The gong is no longer sacred because now everybody has their own gong for various purposes," Sanjaya said.
The only way to distinguish between ordinary and sacred gongs is to examine how they were made.
"Gongs ordered by palaces should be made carefully and require special attention, to ensure the gong produces a really good sound and has magical powers. General orders do not require a special manufacturing process, just the ordinary one," he said.
Gongs are now entering a new phase as they gain popularity abroad. People from countries like Australia, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands and the United States regularly order the musical instrument. The local markets for gongs include Bali, Jakarta and Yogyakarta.
"Although gongs are used by limited circles, the market for the instrument is now much better," said Sanjaya, who employs 25 workers.
Another craftsman, Supoyo, said his regular orders came from Bali and Jakarta. The orders are usually for a complete set of gamelan instruments.
Created from a mixture of tin and copper, gongs are created through a complicated process. A complete set of gamelan instruments, for instance, takes three months to make.
Given the lengthy process, gongs are relatively expensive. A gong with a diameter of one meter and a weight 52 kilograms can sell for Rp 7.5 million, while the cheapest gong, 45 to 55 centimeters in diameter, goes for Rp 800,000 each.
A complete set of gamelan instruments might cost between Rp 100 and Rp 150 million.
With these prices, craftsmen find marketing the instruments can be difficult.
"Just like any businessman, we want our products to sell immediately," Sanjaya said. --Kartika Bagus C.