Serune Kalee, Aceh's Traditional Wind Instrument

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The serune kalee is a traditional wind instrument from Aceh that has been played since ancient times. It is particularly popular in the Pidie region, North Aceh, Aceh Besar, and West Aceh. 

It is typically played alongside the gendrang rapai drum during entertainment events, dances, and to welcome honored guests to the courts of the kings of Aceh Darussalam's golden age.

The name Serune Kalee comes from the word seguune, meaning wind instrument. "Kalee" is the name of a village in the Pidie Regency of Aceh.

Though it originated in Pidie, the serune kalee is now played throughout Aceh. The Serune kalee has become an integral part of the community's cultural life.

It serves more than just entertainment, it also symbolizes the identity and cultural heritage of Aceh. The Serune kalee is typically played alongside the rapai and gendang (drums). It is often played at traditional events and folk performances.

The instrument is made from select wood that produces a resonant sound. This musical instrument is believed to have existed since ancient times. Its base is slender and widens at the tip like a funnel. This shape creates a resonance chamber for the sound.

The Serune Kalee's body has seven tone holes that adjust the pitch and loudness of the sound. The body is also decorated with carvings and brass or copper ornaments. Its combination of wood, brass, and copper makes it part of Aceh's intangible cultural heritage. The brass coating and copper bonding prevent cracking.

Some Serune Kalee are left in their natural wood color, while others are painted black for an attractive appearance. To this day, the serune kalee continues to be preserved and passed down from generation to generation. It is hoped that it will continue to be a proud part of Acehnese culture. (Misni Parjiati/Bambang MBKA)