NTB Musical Instruments That Are Typical Of The Lesser Sunda Cluster

JAKARTA - West Nusa Tenggara is one of the provinces in Indonesia which is located in the western part of the Lesser Sunda Islands or better known as the Nusa Tenggara Islands.

This province is very rich in various types of arts, both dances, traditional houses, traditional clothes, to traditional musical instruments. Adapting various sources, here are five typical musical instruments from NTB.

Genggong is a typical NTB musical instrument made of bamboo blades that is played by placing it on the lips, but not blowing it.​ To quote Bobo Grid, Friday, March 4, the mouth is only a support. The other end of the genggong has a rope. The rope is pulled and stretched towards the right front so that the rope vibrates. It is the vibration of the string that produces the sound.

Genggong consists of a main part with a size of 20 x 2 centimeters which is made from the midrib of dry palm leaves. The next part is a smaller wooden midrib and is tied with thread in the main part.

Just like drums in general, the typical NTB Gendang Belek is also played by beating. The Belek drum is made of tap wood and made like a sleeve with a diameter of 30cm and 35cm. The hole is covered with cowhide.

The Belek drum was originally played to encourage the soldiers who would go to war in defense of the kingdom. Over time, Gendang Gelek is used to accompany various kinds of NTB arts.

Gambo is a traditional stringed instrument from the Mbojo tribe in Bima. The shape at first glance is similar to a guitar, but the difference can be seen from the material used to make the gambo. Gambo is made using kambung skin, wood, and the addition of plastic strings.

Palompong is a typical NTB musical instrument originating from the Sumbawa community. This musical instrument is made using wood and metal. Palompong is included in the xylophone type and is played by hitting it with the hands. Palompong players must be in a sitting position with their legs straight out in front of them. While the musical instruments are placed on the thighs of the players.

In the past, Palompong was usually played by men while resting in the fields or fields. Today, Palompong is part of the traditional gong genang orchestra and functions as a rhythmic musical instrument to accompany fast rhythmic dances.

Serunai has a shape that almost resembles a trumpet. The unique part of the Serunai is at the bottom end which expands and is used as a volume increaser. Reporting from the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture, the Serunai is made of feathers and palm leaves, the silu is made of brown wood and silver, while the pereret is made of ipil wood and turmeric wood.

In the past, Seruani was played while burning incense. The goal is to menorah reinforcements and attract girls. Now, it is mostly played at wedding ceremonies, traditional ceremonies, to the accompaniment of pencak silat events.