Developing a children’s club for gamelan, an Indonesian orchestra

MISSION

This project focuses on supporting the running and growth of a children’s club for gamelan, a centuries-old, traditional Indonesian orchestra, with its origins in Bali and Java. The Makaradhwaja Kumara Children Gamelan Club, in Bali, was founded by Suasthi Bandem and Made Bandem in April 2023, in the hopes of engaging and educating the younger generation in gamelan. The aim is for members of the club to foster a lifelong connection with gamelan, and find a sense of responsibility to protect and pass on their cultural heritage. Quantum Temple plans to identify key funding areas, and support a comprehensive gamelan education.

OBJECTIVE

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Makaradhwaja Kumara Gamelan Club, in Singapadu Village, is motivated to ensure the cultural continuity of gamelan. A percussion-based orchestra – comprising xylophones, gongs, gong-chimes, drums and cymbals – gamelan was first recorded during the 9th Century rule of King Sri Kesari Warmadewa and today is listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Makaradhwaja Kumara Gamelan Club recognize the cultural and historical significance of gamelan, and believe it is necessary to forge the next generation of cultural custodians that will keep its legacy alive.

As it stands, the club comprises around 25–30 children, aged between six to 13 years old, who are offered free lessons biweekly. These lessons are under the supervision of Suasthi Bandem, with teachers Made Sumarno and I Ketut Suantara leading the instruction. The goal is to pay the teachers who facilitate a comprehensive instruction in gamelan notation, and to employ more teachers to support with the mission. The Makaradhwaja Kumara Gamelan Club is envisioned as a creative hub and a safe space within Singapadu Village, where children can explore their artistic interests, learn and contribute positively to the community. The club hopes to encourage team-building and discipline, and nurture talent. Supervisor Suasthi places an emphasis on instilling a sense of responsibility in the students to care for their musical instruments, avoid littering, and arrive punctually and log their attendance.

Alongside paying staff, the funding raised for this project will be used towards the maintenance and tuning of the gamelan instruments, which are crucial to preserving the authenticity and richness of the sound, and the purchasing and tailoring of uniforms for temple performances.

Children from Makaradalwejara in their weekly Gamelan practice, led by Suasti Bandem, the founder of the club.

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