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Introduction and history

Gamelan Jawa has its own history. The presence of Gamelan Jawa in Malaysia is closely related to the arrival of the Jawa people to Johor. They perform gamelan with ancient puppets and dances such as Tari Kifrah, Serimpi Lilin, Butterfly, and Cakil. Gamelan musical instruments are also used to accompany Riog, Barungan, and Kuda Kepang performances. Gamelan music is often played at weddings, circumcisions, and other events.

This type of gamelan can be found in Johor, Selangor, and the Federal Territory. Gamelan Jawa music serves as folk entertainment and is not limited to palace performances only.


Functions and Roles

Here is the role of Gamelan Jawa music in Malaysia:

Accompanying Traditional Ceremonies and Festive Events: Gamelan music is often played during weddings, circumcisions, and other traditional ceremonies, adding to the atmosphere of culture and customs.


Preserving Cultural Heritage: The Gamelan Jawa helps preserve the artistic traditions of the Jawa community that were brought together with their migration to Malaysia, especially in Johor, Selangor, and the Federal Territory.


Performing Arts and People's Entertainment: In addition to functioning in ceremonies, gamelan music is also entertainment for the general public, not just limited to palace performances, making it one of the people's entertainment.


Uniting the Community: Gamelan performances strengthen ties within the Jawa community in Malaysia and between other cultures that value traditional arts, creating harmony in cultural diversity.


Traditional Attire/ Accessories

Here is the form of clothing worn by Gamelan Jawa musicians in Malaysia:

Baju Kurung or Kebaya: Female musicians often wear baju kurung or kebaya with traditional patterns, symbolizing Jawa culture.


Baju Melayu or Teluk Belanga: Male musicians wear Baju Melayu or Baju Teluk Belanga, equipped with kain samping to highlight traditional elements.


Shawl or Kain Batik: Women often add a shawl or kain batik wrapped around the waist to reflect elegance and cultural heritage.


Songkok or Tengkolok: Men sometimes wear a Songkok or Tengkolok as a head covering, symbolizing Malay and Jawa culture.


Traditional Accessories: Some musicians add accessories such as brooches, bracelets, or rings to complete their look.


Equipment/ Ingredients

These instruments form the main composition in the performance of Gamelan Jawa. Here are the musical instruments of  Gamelan Jawa in Malaysia:

Gong

Bonang

Gambang

Saron

Kenong

Slenthem

Gender

Kendang


Method / Preparation Method / Presentation Method

Gamelan Jawa music is performed in Malaysia as listed below:

Player Formation: Musicians sit in a specific formation according to the position of the musical instruments, ensuring harmony of sound between each instrument.

Rhythmic Beats: Each musical instrument is played with a specific striking or plucking technique to produce a harmonious rhythm.

Main Tempo Follower: The gong serves as the main tempo marker, with the other musicians following the set beat.

Dance or Story Accompaniment: In certain performances, gamelan music accompanies traditional dances or shadow puppets synchronized with the movement or scene of the story.


Figures and Achievements

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Reference Source

Bahan Bacaan: 

Razali Md Amin, and Mohd Yuszaidy Mohd Yusoff, and Ab Samad Kechot, (2017) Komunikasi, instrumentasi dan seni persembahan gamelan Melayu dan Jawa. Jurnal Melayu, Isu (Khas). pp. 272-288. ISSN 1675-7513


Jan Mrazek. Gamelan: Cultural Interaction and Musical Development in Central Java Sumarsam. Asian Music. Vol. 27, No. 1 (Autumn, 1995 - Winter, 1996), pp. 153-156. USA. University of Texas Press.


Location

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State JKKN Contact Information

Rosdianah binti Roman

Cultural Officer

Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Negeri Sembilan
Kompleks JKKN Negeri Sembilan Jalan Sungai Ujong 70200 Seremban NEGERI SEMBILAN DARUL KHUSUS

06-767 6793/763 6308 / 761 0593

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