Gunungkidul Preserves Rinding Gumbeng, Its Traditional Bamboo Instrument

RRI.CO.ID, Gunungkidul - Rinding Gumbeng is a traditional bamboo musical instrument preserved as part of Gunungkidul's cultural heritage. The instrument comes from Beji Village, Ngawen District, and remains closely connected with local traditions.

The instrument has received recognition from the Indonesian government as Intangible Cultural Heritage from Gunungkidul. Its national recognition is reflected in an official certificate establishing Rinding Gumbeng as part of Indonesia's cultural heritage.

Rinding Gumbeng was traditionally played by Beji residents after the main harvest season. In the past, residents paraded their harvest around the village while playing the instrument as part of a tradition associated with Dewi Sri.

The tradition was connected with hopes for fertility, blessings, and abundant future harvests. Over time, Rinding Gumbeng has also become part of other community events, including the Sadranan ceremony at Wonosadi Forest.

Rinding Gumbeng is generally performed by several musicians playing rinding and gumbeng together. Performances may also feature singers who deliver traditional Javanese verses alongside the instrumental music.

Traditional arts practitioner Purnawan Widayanto said Rinding Gumbeng has been used by Gunungkidul communities for hundreds of years. The bamboo instrument is played by blowing it, while performances continue through community groups that preserve the tradition.

On August 17, 2022, a Rinding Gumbeng group from Beji, Ngawen, performed with the Gunungkidul Cultural Office team. They performed for invited guests during the Independence Day ceremony at the State Palace, marking an important moment for the local art community.

The national recognition is expected to encourage continued preservation and regeneration among Rinding Gumbeng performers. Its distinctive sound and cultural history also provide opportunities to introduce Gunungkidul's traditional arts to wider audiences and visitors.