Gendang Beleq is a traditional percussion instrument originating from the Sasak tribe in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. This musical instrument has a large size and a thunderous sound, often played in groups at traditional events, ceremonies, and entertainment. This traditional musical instrument is a legacy of the ancestors of the Sasak tribe who inhabited Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

History of Gendang Beleq

The name Gendang Beleq is taken from the words gendang and beleq which come from the Sasak language. The drum itself is a musical instrument and beleq which has a big meaning. Like its visual form, gendang beleq is interpreted as a large drum.

Quoted from the Kemdikbud Cultural Heritage page, the gendang beleq was originally used as an accompanying musical instrument and was used to encourage soldiers who were going to war in the morning in the past. The sound produced by the gendang beleq was believed to be able to make soldiers who were going to the battlefield more confident and braver when fighting.

In addition, gendang beleq also serves to welcome heroes who have returned from the battlefield. This art is usually accompanied by the sound of flutes and rencek or the tinkling sound of brass pieces.

Parts Of The Gendang Beleq

As accompanying music that functions to provide encouragement, there are several parts of the gendang beleq that complete the accompaniment.

• Rempeng, namely the cross-section of a drum made of cowhide
• Batang, which is the body of the drum made of tap wood
• Jangat, which is a rope made of leather
• Wangkis, which is a reinforcing rope that encircles a slender piece made of leather
• Pengulung, which is a wire wrapper

All these parts must be present in the gendang beleq as one of the musical instruments originating from Lombok.

How To Play The Gendang Beleq

Gendang beleq is played by a group of people consisting of several people. In the gendang beleq performance, the players use both hands to beat the drum skin which inspires enthusiasm.

Gendang beleq is also used in several traditional events in Lombok such as weddings and religious ceremonies, welcoming important guests, accompanying dances, and art performances, used in ritual fights (Beresan).

The gendang beleq also has several philosophical values, the following are the philosophical values such as Symbolizes the spirit of togetherness and harmony in Sasak society, symbolizes the relationship between humans and nature, symbolizes respect for nature and maintaining the balance of nature.

Do you feel that the changing times have made the gendang beleq rarely used? Therefore, it is important to have awareness to maintain the culture that we have.

Gendang beleq has begun to be rarely found and has begun to be replaced by kecimol. This should be one of our concerns that we will not be able to pass on the legacy to the next generation.

Many young generations are embarrassed to take part in preserving culture, even though it is our responsibility as Indonesian citizens. Preserving culture is not something to be ashamed of, but something to be proud of. So, we should become our culture.