SOUTH TANGERANG – Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, Indonesia’s rich culture is often hidden, waiting to be discovered and appreciated. One such treasure is the Calung, a traditional musical instrument made from bamboo. With its soothing melodies and distinctive sounds, the Calung is a priceless part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage that we must preserve.
Calung is a percussion instrument made from carefully selected bamboo slats. The way it is played is also unique; the bamboo slats are struck to produce harmonious tones. There are two main types of calung: the calung rantay, where the bamboo strips are arranged in a row and played by striking them, and the calung gambang and/or calung jinjing, where the bamboo strips are suspended and played by striking them with a special mallet.
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The sound produced by the calung is very distinctive, radiating peace and reminding us of the simplicity of life in harmony with nature. It is not merely a musical instrument but also a reflection of the local wisdom and philosophy of life of the Sundanese people of West Java, where the calung has flourished.
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the hall of the Al Syukro Mosque in Ciputat, South Tangerang, bore silent witness to the beauty of the calung. During the 32nd anniversary celebration of Dompet Dhuafa, teachers from Al Syukro School proudly performed the calung as the opening act of the event. This moment was not merely an effort to enliven the atmosphere but also aligned with one of Dompet Dhuafa’s core pillars: Social, Da’wah, and Culture.
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The presence of calung at the event underscores Dompet Dhuafa’s commitment to not only operate in the social and religious spheres but also actively participate in preserving and developing Indonesia’s traditional culture. Through art, messages of kindness can be conveyed in a more profound and heartfelt manner. This is evidence that cultural preservation is an integral part of building a society with strong character.
Let us join Dompet Dhuafa in continuing our efforts to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage and support programs aligned with the pillars of Social, Da’wah, and Culture. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and Photos: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil