By, Ahmad Zulfahmi Zainal
As globalization and modernization continue to shape the world, preserving traditional practices like Gamelan music becomes crucial for maintaining cultural diversity, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering social cohesion. In the case of Gamelan Melayu, its sustainability is not just about preserving a musical tradition but also about its ability to adapt, innovate, and impact society in meaningful ways.
Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
One of the most fundamental aspects of sustainability is the preservation of cultural heritage, which Gamelan Melayu exemplifies. For centuries, Gamelan music has been an integral part of the Malay Archipelago’s cultural fabric, used in ceremonies, rituals, and storytelling. By maintaining these traditions, communities ensure that future generations can access and experience their history and identity.
IIUM’s initiatives play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Gamelan Melayu through the IIUM Gamelan Gema Gangsa (GGG) club, which operates under the Center for Arts and Cultural Sustainable Development (CITRA). This club is dedicated to ensuring that Gamelan Melayu remains a vital part of Malaysia’s cultural landscape.
Cross-Cultural Programme with Pesantren Assalafi Al Fithriah, Malang, Indonesia.
Through outreach programs and cultural exchange initiatives, such as the Cross-Cultural Programme with Pesantren Assalafi Al Fithriah, Malang, Indonesia on 25 October 2024, IIUM GGG promotes the understanding of Gamelan traditions between Malaysia and Indonesia. These programs provide students with opportunities to experience both the similarities and differences in Gamelan practices, fostering cross-cultural appreciation. By offering students access to Gamelan music, IIUM GGG helps ensure that this tradition continues to thrive, particularly among the younger generation, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education), which emphasizes the importance of cultural education and preserving heritage.
Fostering Community and Unity
Beyond its cultural significance, traditional music like Gamelan Melayu also plays a key role in promoting social sustainability. Music has the power to bring people together, creating shared experiences that strengthen community ties. In Malaysia, Gamelan performances are often communal, with everyone from musicians to spectators actively participating in and celebrating the performance. This sense of collective identity and pride fosters social cohesion, a critical aspect of sustainable societies.
Through its outreach programs with schools like SK Taman Seri Gombak, the IIUM Gamelan Gema Gangsa club actively engages the younger generation. Students are taught not only how to play traditional Gamelan instruments but also the values of collaboration, respect for cultural diversity, and the importance of preserving their heritage. By introducing children to the music of their ancestors, the club plays an essential role in ensuring that future generations value and continue these traditions, supporting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which encourages peaceful and inclusive societies.
Pentatonic Heroes 2.0 in collaboration with SK Taman Seri Gombak.
Supporting Local Economies and Sustainable Crafting Practices
Traditional music contributes to economic and environmental sustainability by supporting local economies and promoting sustainable crafting practices. Gamelan instruments are typically crafted by skilled artisans using natural materials like bronze, wood, and bamboo—resources that are often sourced locally. This not only sustains the livelihoods of these artisans but also ensures the continuation of the craft itself.
The creation and sale of Gamelan instruments provide a vital source of income for local communities, while performances and festivals centred around Gamelan music boost the local economy by attracting tourists and supporting related industries. Furthermore, the focus on responsibly sourcing materials reduces the environmental impact, ensuring that Gamelan practices remain aligned with sustainability goals. By preserving the craft of instrument-making and encouraging environmentally responsible production, Gamelan music supports both economic resilience and environmental protection, in line with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).***
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