Exploring Traditional Sundanese Music Instruments of West Java

 

Historical Background of Traditional Sundanese Music Instruments

The traditional Sundanese music instruments of West Java have deep cultural roots that trace back to the early development of Sundanese society in the mountainous regions of western Java. The Sundanese people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Indonesia, developed a unique musical identity shaped by their natural environment, agrarian lifestyle, and spiritual beliefs. Music in Sundanese tradition was closely linked to daily life, community rituals, and agricultural cycles. Instruments like the Kendang Sunda, Tarawangsa, and Celempung were originally used in spiritual ceremonies, harvest celebrations, and communal gatherings, reflecting the community’s close relationship with nature and ancestral reverence.

Over the centuries, traditional Sundanese musical instruments underwent significant transformation as a result of social, political, and religious changes. During the classical period of the Sundanese kingdoms, such as the Kingdom of Sunda and Galuh (7th–16th centuries), music became more structured and ceremonial. Ensembles like the Gamelan Degung began to emerge, characterized by their soft, melodic, and rhythmically complex textures. As Sundanese music evolved, it incorporated increasingly refined forms, including vocal elements and more sophisticated scales, such as the pelog and slendro tuning systems, seen in instruments like the Kacapi Suling and Rebab Sunda.

The influence of Hinduism, beginning around the 4th century, brought with it Indian musical and artistic concepts that enriched Sundanese music traditions. This period saw the integration of stringed instruments and narrative performances inspired by Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Instruments such as the Rebab Sunda—a bowed string instrument—are believed to have evolved from this era, blending indigenous Sundanese craftsmanship with Indic musical aesthetics. The introduction of Islam in the 15th century marked another pivotal shift. Islamic teachings influenced the themes of songs, while Sufi mysticism encouraged the development of sacred and meditative musical forms, such as those used in the Tarawangsa tradition, which often accompanied religious rituals and spiritual healing.

During the colonial period, particularly under Dutch rule in the 18th and 19th centuries, Sundanese music encountered both suppression and adaptation. Western musical concepts and instrumentation were introduced, but many traditional ensembles persisted, often performed for colonial elites and in nationalist cultural revivals. Instruments such as the Angklung and Calung gained wider recognition during this time, with the Angklung even being adapted for formal music education. Despite cultural repression and assimilation efforts, the resilience of the Sundanese people ensured that their musical traditions survived and continued to evolve, preserving their identity through sound.

In summary, the historical development of traditional Sundanese music instruments reflects a dynamic interplay between indigenous traditions and external influences. From their animist and Hindu-Buddhist origins to Islamic and colonial-era adaptations, these instruments have continually evolved while maintaining their core cultural significance in the musical landscape of West Java.

 

Key Types of Traditional Sundanese Music Instruments:

A. Gamelan Degung

Instrumentation and Ensemble Format

Gamelan Degung is one of the most prominent traditional Sundanese music ensembles, uniquely associated with the Sundanese people of West Java. This ensemble is a refined subset of the broader Indonesian gamelan tradition, consisting of a collection of tuned percussion instruments, typically made from bronze or brass, along with drums and flutes. The standard instrumentation of a Gamelan Degung ensemble includes:

• Bonang (a set of small gongs placed horizontally),

• Jengglong (medium-sized hanging gongs),

• Saron (metallophone with thick keys played with a mallet),

• Peking (a higher-pitched version of the saron),

• Panerus (melodic elaboration instrument),

• Gong Degung (the largest hanging gong that marks the musical cycles),

• Kendang (barrel drum that sets the tempo and dynamic),

• Suling Degung (a bamboo flute providing expressive melodic ornamentation),

• Occasionally, the Rebab Sunda (a bowed string instrument) or vocals may be added for variation and depth.

The ensemble typically performs in a chamber-like format, often smaller and more intimate than the large Central Javanese or Balinese gamelans. Gamelan Degung is commonly used for cultural ceremonies, aristocratic entertainment, educational purposes, and even in modern adaptations for popular or religious music.

Unique Features Compared to Javanese and Balinese Gamelan

While Gamelan Degung shares some structural similarities with other Indonesian gamelan traditions, it possesses several distinct characteristics that set it apart from its Javanese and Balinese counterparts:

1. Scale System: Gamelan Degung primarily uses a degung scale, a variation of the pelog tuning system, which has a distinct five-tone (pentatonic) structure. This gives it a softer, more lyrical and melancholic tonal quality compared to the brighter, more dynamic sounds of Balinese gamelan or the more formal and stately tones of Javanese gamelan.

2. Ensemble Size and Function: The Gamelan Degung ensemble is typically smaller and more compact, making it suitable for private performances and intimate settings, in contrast to the larger and more ceremonial Javanese gamelan ensembles. It is often used in Sundanese weddings, wayang golek (puppet theater), and local community events.

3. Sonic Texture and Tempo: Sundanese Gamelan Degung is known for its relaxed, flowing rhythms and slower tempo, allowing for more nuanced ornamentation and improvisation, especially by instruments like the suling and kendang. In contrast, Balinese gamelan often features rapid, interlocking patterns and a high level of energy and precision.

4. Cultural Context: Unlike Balinese gamelan, which is deeply connected with Hindu temple rituals and vibrant communal festivals, Gamelan Degung has a more aristocratic and spiritual aura in Sundanese society. It is closely associated with karawitan (classical music) traditions and is often performed with poetic vocals, emphasizing emotional subtlety and lyrical expression.

In essence, Gamelan Degung represents a unique and elegant expression of West Java’s musical identity. Its instrumentation, performance style, and aesthetic sensibilities highlight the Sundanese people’s preference for melodic richness, emotional depth, and refined artistry—making it a cornerstone of traditional Sundanese music instruments and a vital part of Indonesia’s diverse musical heritage.

B. Angklung

Bamboo Construction and Tuning System

The Angklung is one of the most iconic and internationally recognized traditional Sundanese music instruments, originating from West Java. It is made entirely from bamboo, utilizing a unique design in which two or more bamboo tubes are mounted in a bamboo frame and tied with rattan. Each tube is carefully carved to have a specific pitch and resonates a distinct musical note when shaken. The sound is produced by the vibration of the bamboo tubes as they strike each other, creating a bright, rattling, yet melodious tone.

The Angklung is a pitched idiophone, and each instrument typically produces just one note or chord. Therefore, it requires ensemble performance, with each player responsible for one or a few notes, encouraging collaboration and timing. Traditional Angklungs are tuned to the pentatonic scale (slendro or pelog), which is common in Sundanese and broader Indonesian gamelan music. However, modern Angklung sets are sometimes tuned to the diatonic (Western) scale to allow for a broader musical repertoire, including international and contemporary songs.

Social and Educational Significance

The Angklung holds deep social and cultural significance in Sundanese society. Historically, it was used in rituals and agricultural ceremonies, especially to honor Dewi Sri, the Sundanese rice goddess, in hopes of a bountiful harvest. In these traditional contexts, Angklung performances were deeply communal, often accompanied by dances and chants, strengthening village unity and spiritual connection to the land.

In modern times, the Angklung has become a powerful symbol of cultural identity and national pride, especially after being recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It has since been widely adopted in educational settings across Indonesia and abroad as a tool for music education and teamwork development. Its participatory nature requires group coordination, teaching children and learners of all ages about cooperation, rhythm, discipline, and cultural appreciation.

Angklung performances today range from traditional village festivals to global stages, showcasing its adaptability and wide appeal. Whether played in schools, community centers, or cultural events, the Angklung continues to serve as a bridge between generations, promoting not only the preservation of West Java’s musical heritage but also the values of harmony, cooperation, and shared cultural pride.

Thus, the Angklung exemplifies how a simple bamboo instrument can carry rich layers of meaning—from spiritual significance and historical tradition to modern educational impact—solidifying its place as a cornerstone of traditional Sundanese music instruments.

C. Calung

Differences from Angklung

Although the Calung and Angklung are both traditional Sundanese music instruments made from bamboo and share a common cultural origin in West Java, they are fundamentally different in construction, playing technique, and musical function.

The Calung consists of multiple bamboo tubes arranged horizontally on a wooden frame or suspended by strings. These tubes are struck with a mallet or tapped directly by hand to produce sound, making it an idiophone in the struck (rather than shaken) category. In contrast, the Angklung produces sound by shaking vertically mounted bamboo tubes, each tuned to a single note.

Another key difference is in the playing style. While Angklung requires ensemble participation where each player handles one or two notes, the Calung can be played by a single performer or small group, with each player able to produce complete melodies and rhythms. Calung also often incorporates vocal elements, comedic storytelling, and theatrical movement, reflecting its strong connection to folk and village traditions.

Use in Performances and Festivals

The Calung plays a vital role in folk performances and traditional Sundanese festivals, particularly in rural areas. It is widely recognized for its lively, rhythmic, and percussive sound, making it a popular instrument in entertainment contexts such as harvest celebrations, village gatherings, weddings, and cultural parades. Unlike the more refined and ceremonial Gamelan Degung, Calung music tends to be light-hearted, energetic, and often humorous, blending music with elements of drama, dance, and satire.

A common performance format is the Calung ensemble, which includes multiple players using variations of the instrument (such as calung rantay or calung jinjing), accompanied by singers and sometimes other instruments like Kendang Sunda. These performances often include interactive storytelling, social commentary, and improvisation, making them both musically engaging and culturally relevant.

In modern times, Calung has also been embraced in cultural preservation efforts and school programs, offering young learners a fun and accessible introduction to West Java’s musical heritage. It has been featured in regional and national festivals as a symbol of Sundanese rural culture, helping maintain its relevance in contemporary settings while celebrating the community-based traditions of the past.

In essence, the Calung stands out among traditional Sundanese instruments for its rhythmic vibrancy, humorous expressiveness, and role as a vehicle for community entertainment and cultural storytelling.

D. Kecapi

Role in Sundanese Classical and Popular Music

The Kecapi (also spelled Kacapi) is a traditional Sundanese zither-like string instrument that plays a central role in both classical and popular music traditions of West Java. It is often considered the melodic and emotional heart of many Sundanese musical forms. The Kecapi is especially prominent in Kacapi Suling ensembles—a genre that pairs the kecapi with the suling (bamboo flute)—which are widely admired for their serene, flowing, and meditative qualities. These ensembles are commonly used to accompany poetry recitations, storytelling (pantun), and introspective musical performances, making them a staple of Sundanese classical art music.

In popular contexts, the kecapi has adapted well to modern needs, appearing in contemporary Sundanese songs, radio broadcasts, and educational programs. Its versatility and expressive sound have allowed it to bridge traditional aesthetics with newer musical influences. Whether used in ceremonial settings, radio drama background music, or modern fusion compositions, the kecapi remains a strong symbol of West Java’s musical heritage.

Playing Techniques and Musical Scales

The kecapi is typically constructed from wood and strung with nylon or metal strings, arranged horizontally on a resonant soundboard. There are two main types:

1. Kecapi Indung – the larger version, used to play the main melody and act as a rhythmic anchor.

2. Kecapi Rincik – the smaller, higher-pitched version, which adds ornamentation and fills in melodic gaps.

The instrument is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, often using rapid, arpeggiated patterns. Skilled players use a combination of fingerpicking, glissando (sliding across strings), and syncopation to produce expressive textures and rhythmic nuances. The right hand typically plucks the melody, while the left hand may dampen strings or subtly bend pitches for emotional effect.

Musically, the kecapi operates within Sundanese tuning systems, primarily the pelog and slendro scales—both of which are pentatonic (five-note) systems. These scales give Sundanese music its characteristic tonal color: melancholic, fluid, and meditative, often evoking nature and introspection. In more recent adaptations, some kecapi players also use diatonic tuning to allow integration with Western musical styles, demonstrating the instrument’s flexibility.

In conclusion, the kecapi is a cornerstone of traditional Sundanese instruments, beloved for its delicate sound and deep cultural symbolism. Its role in both refined classical forms and evolving modern music highlights its enduring value and capacity to adapt, making it an essential thread in the musical fabric of West Java.

E. Kendang

Rhythmic Foundation of Sundanese Ensembles

The Kendang (or Kendhang Sunda) is a traditional double-headed barrel drum that serves as the rhythmic backbone of most Sundanese musical ensembles. It is one of the most essential instruments in West Java’s music traditions, providing not only the tempo but also expressive dynamics, structural cues, and emotional character to the performance. Whether in Gamelan Degung, Kacapi Suling, Calung, or traditional dances, the Kendang directs the ensemble’s flow and transitions, shaping the performance’s overall mood.

In Sundanese music, the Kendang does more than just keep time—it communicates with the ensemble, signaling changes in tempo, style, and even the dancers’ movements. Through its rich vocabulary of rhythmic patterns (tabuhan), the Kendang adds energy, tension, and drama, making it a vital expressive force. A skilled Kendang player can control the ensemble with subtle rhythmic accents, improvisational fills, and variations in dynamics, often functioning like a conductor in traditional settings.

Variations and Types of Kendang

The Kendang Sunda comes in several variations, each suited for specific musical contexts, ensemble types, or dance styles. While all versions are based on a two-headed design (with the larger head producing low-pitched bass sounds and the smaller head producing higher-pitched slaps), they differ in size, tuning, playing technique, and function.

Some of the key types include:

1. Kendang Indung – The main or lead drum, larger in size and responsible for setting the core rhythm. It carries the primary rhythmic patterns and is typically played with both hands.

2. Kendang Kulanter – A smaller supporting drum, often played alongside the Kendang Indung. It complements the main drum by adding syncopation and reinforcing the beat, especially in more complex or faster pieces.

3. Kendang Ketipung – A smaller version used in lighter or more playful musical pieces, offering crisp, sharp tones ideal for upbeat tempos.

4. Kendang Jaipongan – Specifically used in Jaipong (a popular Sundanese dance genre), this Kendang is played with more dynamic, aggressive strokes to match the vibrant, sensual movements of the dance. It emphasizes dramatic flair and rapid tempo changes.

5. Kendang Kiliningan – Used in kiliningan music, a lighter, more decorative style often accompanying Sundanese songs or informal performances. The playing style is more delicate and melodic in nature.

Playing techniques vary depending on the musical style but generally involve a combination of hand slaps, open tones, muted strikes, and palm rolls, allowing a wide range of expressive rhythms. The interaction between different Kendang types in an ensemble creates a layered rhythmic structure that brings Sundanese music to life.

In essence, the Kendang Sunda is not only a percussion instrument but a cultural communicator—a bridge between structure and spontaneity, discipline and emotion. As a core component of traditional Sundanese instruments, it exemplifies the complexity, subtlety, and rhythmic beauty of West Java’s musical heritage.

 

Cultural Significance of Traditional Sundanese Music Instruments

Role in Ceremonies, Dances, and Rituals

Traditional Sundanese music instruments are deeply woven into the ceremonial and spiritual life of communities in West Java. Instruments such as the Gamelan Degung, Kendang Sunda, Calung, and Angklung play vital roles in rituals, religious observances, life-cycle events, and traditional dances. For example, during wedding ceremonies, a Gamelan Degung ensemble often accompanies the procession and provides a sacred, elegant atmosphere. Similarly, the Jaipongan dance, a modern traditional Sundanese performance, is animated by energetic Kendang rhythms that reflect the celebratory mood of communal events.

In agricultural rituals, instruments like the Angklung and Calung are historically linked to offerings for Dewi Sri, the rice goddess, believed to bring fertility and prosperity. These performances are not just entertainment—they are acts of spiritual devotion and cultural affirmation, expressing harmony with nature and respect for ancestral traditions. Music is also a key element in healing rituals, coming-of-age ceremonies, and traditional puppet shows (wayang golek), where it creates a powerful emotional and narrative backdrop.

Connection to Sundanese Identity and Oral Traditions

Music is a cornerstone of Sundanese cultural identity, and traditional instruments serve as living symbols of the region’s heritage, values, and worldview. The distinctive sound of Kacapi Suling, for instance, evokes the quiet, reflective spirit often associated with Sundanese aesthetics—graceful, subtle, and poetic. These instruments are not just tools for making music; they embody local philosophies, social customs, and historical memory.

Traditional Sundanese music also plays a critical role in oral storytelling and education. Through musical performances, knowledge about history, legends, moral teachings, and societal norms is passed down across generations. Instruments like the Rebab Sunda and Tarawangsa frequently accompany sung narratives or epic tales, blending music with language to preserve and transmit cultural wisdom. In this way, traditional music becomes a vehicle for sustaining the intangible cultural fabric of Sundanese life.

Intergenerational Transmission and Community Involvement

The continuity of Sundanese musical traditions relies heavily on intergenerational transmission and community participation. Elders, master musicians (maestros), and community leaders often take on the role of mentors, teaching younger generations how to play instruments like the Kendang, Kecapi, and Siter, along with the values and meanings behind each performance. Learning is typically done through oral tradition, apprenticeship, and communal rehearsal, fostering strong interpersonal bonds and cultural pride.

Music education is also integrated into schools, art centers, and cultural workshops, helping to sustain interest among youth and ensuring that traditional Sundanese instruments remain relevant in a modernizing world. Community ensembles, both formal and informal, play a crucial role in keeping traditions alive, performing at festivals, religious events, and cultural exhibitions, often involving people of all ages.

Moreover, traditional music performances are occasions for social cohesion, where villages or neighborhoods come together in shared celebration or ritual. This collective engagement reinforces a sense of belonging and mutual responsibility for preserving West Java’s musical heritage. Through this dynamic process, traditional Sundanese music instruments continue to thrive—not as museum artifacts, but as vibrant, evolving expressions of a community’s soul.

 

Preservation and Modern Adaptations of Traditional Sundanese Music Instruments

Efforts in Education and Performance

The preservation of traditional Sundanese music instruments has been greatly supported through structured efforts in education and live performance. In many parts of West Java, music schools, community arts centers, and even public and private elementary schools incorporate traditional instruments—such as the Angklung, Kacapi, Kendang Sunda, and Gamelan Degung—into their curricula. These programs aim not only to teach students how to play the instruments but also to instill a deeper understanding of Sundanese cultural values, musical aesthetics, and historical context.

Master musicians (maestros) often serve as mentors in apprenticeship-style learning, preserving traditional techniques and repertoire through oral transmission. At the same time, annual regional festivals, student competitions, and cultural showcases provide performance opportunities for young learners, promoting pride in their heritage. These educational initiatives ensure that traditional Sundanese instruments remain an accessible and respected part of contemporary youth culture.

Integration into Modern Genres and Media

In recent decades, many artists and musicians have begun to blend traditional Sundanese instruments with modern genres such as pop, jazz, electronic, and even hip-hop. This fusion of styles helps revitalize interest among younger audiences and introduces Sundanese musical textures to global music scenes. For instance, the Kacapi Suling duo may be layered with ambient or electronic sounds, while Angklung and Calung are sometimes used in modern stage plays, film scores, or digital media soundtracks.

Moreover, platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and social media have played a major role in promoting traditional Sundanese music to international audiences. Online tutorials, virtual performances, and collaborations with artists from other cultures allow traditional instruments like Rebab Sunda and Tarawangsa to gain visibility beyond local contexts. This multimedia exposure has sparked new waves of innovation while keeping the instruments rooted in their cultural origins.

Role of Cultural Institutions and Government Support

Cultural institutions such as Saung Angklung Udjo in Bandung, Sundanese cultural studios, and universities like Universitas Padjadjaran and Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia (ISBI) Bandung have taken leading roles in the documentation, instruction, and performance of traditional Sundanese instruments. These institutions often offer formal training programs, research initiatives, and curated performances that both preserve and reinterpret Sundanese music for contemporary audiences.

On the governmental level, there has been increasing support through cultural preservation policies, funding, and tourism programs. The recognition of Angklung as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010, for example, led to a surge in national awareness and global promotion. The Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture often collaborates with schools and local governments to distribute instruments, fund cultural education, and organize traditional music competitions. These actions help ensure that Sundanese musical traditions are both preserved and adapted to the evolving cultural landscape.

In conclusion, the preservation and adaptation of traditional Sundanese music instruments involve a multifaceted effort that combines education, creative innovation, institutional support, and media outreach. These combined forces ensure that the rich sounds of West Java’s musical heritage remain vibrant, relevant, and celebrated in both local communities and on the global stage.

 

Comparative Insights: Traditional Sundanese Music Instruments vs. Other Indonesian Music Traditions

Similarities with Javanese and Balinese Instruments

Traditional Sundanese music instruments share a number of commonalities with those from other major Indonesian musical traditions, particularly Javanese and Balinese. All three traditions are rooted in gamelan ensembles, which utilize a collection of metallophones, gongs, drums, and other melodic or rhythmic instruments tuned to specific scales, primarily slendro (pentatonic) and pelog (heptatonic or variant pentatonic).

For instance, the Gamelan Degung of the Sundanese tradition is structurally and conceptually similar to Javanese and Balinese gamelan ensembles in that it features bronze or iron metallophones, gongs, and drums played in layered textures. The Kendang Sunda, much like the Kendang Jawa or Kendang Bali, plays a central rhythmic role, guiding tempo and transitions in performances, dances, and rituals.

Furthermore, instruments like the Rebab (a two-stringed bowed instrument) are used in both Sundanese and Javanese gamelan. The Kacapi (zither) and Gambang (xylophone) also have counterparts or variations in other Indonesian traditions, showing a broad cultural exchange across the archipelago influenced by Hindu-Buddhist, Islamic, and colonial eras.

Distinct Features Unique to Sundanese Styles

Despite these similarities, traditional Sundanese instruments are distinguished by a number of unique stylistic and acoustic features that reflect the cultural and geographic identity of West Java.

One of the most notable distinctions is the lighter, more delicate sound palette of Sundanese music, especially in genres like Kacapi Suling. This combination of zither (kacapi) and bamboo flute (suling) produces a soft, melodic, and meditative texture, contrasting with the often heavier, more ceremonial tone of Central Javanese gamelan or the dynamic, rapid-fire energy of Balinese gamelan.

Another uniquely Sundanese instrument is the Tarawangsa, a two-stringed bowed instrument used in ritual and sacred music, especially during agricultural ceremonies. Its haunting, droning sound is deeply spiritual and not found in mainstream Javanese or Balinese ensembles. Similarly, the Celempung, a bamboo tube zither struck percussively, offers a raw, earthy tone that aligns with Sundanese folk aesthetics.

The Angklung and Calung, made entirely from bamboo, also stand out as signature Sundanese instruments. While bamboo idiophones exist elsewhere in Indonesia, the ensemble shaking method of the Angklung—where each performer contributes only one or two notes—reflects a collective performance philosophy deeply tied to Sundanese communal values. This differs significantly from Balinese or Javanese performance structures, where individual musicians often play full melodic lines.

Lastly, Sundanese musical performances often emphasize lyricism, flexibility in tempo, and emotional nuance. The music tends to be more introspective and fluid, with frequent use of rubato and ornamentation. In contrast, Javanese music leans toward structured elegance and grandeur, while Balinese music is marked by precise interlocking rhythms and virtuosic speed.

In conclusion, while traditional Sundanese music instruments share foundational concepts with other Indonesian traditions, they possess distinct characteristics—from instrument construction and tuning to performance style and cultural function—that reflect the unique identity and expressive sensibility of the Sundanese people. These differences enrich the overall diversity of Indonesia’s musical landscape and highlight the importance of regional heritage within the nation’s broader cultural mosaic.

 

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Conclusion

Traditional Sundanese music instruments form a vital component of West Java’s musical heritage, offering profound insight into the cultural identity, spiritual practices, and social structures of the Sundanese people. Instruments such as the Gamelan Degung, Kacapi Suling, Angklung, Calung, Kendang Sunda, Rebab Sunda, Tarawangsa, Siter, and Celempung not only showcase the technical richness of Sundanese music but also reflect the region’s historical influences—from indigenous beliefs to Hindu-Buddhist traditions, Islamic culture, and colonial interactions.

These Traditional Sundanese instruments are more than artistic expressions; they are vehicles of oral history, communal memory, and ceremonial life. Whether providing the rhythmic heartbeat through Kendang Sunda, evoking meditative atmospheres with Tarawangsa, or encouraging social participation through the ensemble spirit of Angklung and Calung, these instruments remain deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Sundanese society.

In the face of modernization and globalization, the preservation and global appreciation of Traditional Sundanese music instruments are of paramount importance. Educational programs, cultural institutions, and creative collaborations are essential to ensure these instruments continue to resonate with future generations—both in West Java and beyond. Modern adaptations and international performances of Sundanese musical instruments serve not only to safeguard traditional practices but also to highlight their universal musical appeal.

Ultimately, celebrating and sustaining the Traditional Sundanese music instruments enriches global musical diversity while honoring a living cultural legacy rooted in centuries of artistic excellence. Their preservation is not just about safeguarding instruments but about nurturing the soul of a community, affirming identity, and inviting the world to experience the beauty and depth of West Java’s musical heritage.