Indonesia’s Kolintang Ensemble Set for Paris Performances for Cultural Diplomacy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s kolintang ensemble will perform in Paris, France, on October 1, 2026, as part of a series of cultural programs. The schedule includes appearances at the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters, and a music university in Paris.

Kolintang is a traditional wooden percussion instrument originating from the Minahasa people of North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

“The initial agenda was an invitation from the French Embassy to perform at the independence day reception. But because Kolintang has received UNESCO inscription, we were also invited to the UNESCO office,” said Chairperson of the National Kolintang Practitioners Association (PINKAN), Penny Iriana Marsetio on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Preparations started in early August after PINKAN received the first invitation. The itinerary later grew to incorporate the UNESCO appearance and the university engagement.

Composer and ethnomusicologist, Franki Raden, said the ensemble’s repertoire and presentation will be tailored to each venue’s purpose. At the Indonesian Embassy, the focus is cultural diplomacy, introducing Indonesia through music.

“For example, as noted by Ms. Penny, the performance at the embassy is more for diplomatic events. It’s not only about introducing kolintang music, but also introducing our country,” said Franki.

The embassy program may feature national anthems and regional songs, including “Bagimu Negeri” and “Indonesia Pusaka,” alongside traditional pieces from Minahasa.

At UNESCO, the mission shifts to showcasing kolintang’s versatility as an intangible cultural heritage. Franki emphasized that the performance will demonstrate Kolintang's capacity to adapt across global genres.

“Kolintang is challenged to prove whether it can truly become world music. The way we do that is by playing all kinds of music in the world, that is kolintang’s strength,” he said.

Penny added that the delegation will bring a full set of kolintang instruments to be left at the music academy for future study. The instruments use a diatonic scale, enabling them to play diverse genres while retaining ethnic character.

“We are also bringing a set of instruments that we will entrust to one of the music academies. This will serve as a study or learning tool for an ethnic yet diatonic music that can play various genres,” said Penny.

The Paris-bound group comprises nine instrumentalists and one vocalist. Franki Raden will accompany the ensemble to provide contextual explanations about kolintang.

Penny noted that the performers are kolintang instructors, many from families with long-standing traditions of playing the instrument. “The ones we’re bringing are kolintang teachers, self-taught musicians from families of kolintang enthusiasts. They have deeply mastered the instrument,” she said.

Among the prepared pieces is “La Vie en Rose” and Mozart’s “Rondo Alla Turca,” arranged to blend French musical elements with Indonesian keroncong.

Franki explained that kolintang’s diatonic tuning gives it unique flexibility, allowing it to perform various musical styles without losing its traditional essence. “Kolintang is actually a type of folk music, but it has evolved into a more universal form. Kolintang can play many kinds of music, which distinguishes it from purely traditional music," he said.

Through these performances, PINKAN aims to promote kolintang as an ethnic music from Minahasa, North Sulawesi. Penny expressed hope that UNESCO recognition will deepen the performers’ commitment to preserving the tradition.

“The expectation is for them to mature as musicians, especially now that Kolintang has received UNESCO recognition. Those from Minahasa, particularly from Kolintang families, have a duty to safeguard it,” concluded Penny. (Annaila Azzahra-EN)