1 month ago
27
December 8, 2024 | 05:26 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Kolintang has officially been recognized as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This recognition was announced during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paraguay on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon expressed his appreciation to all parties who contributed to this achievement during his virtual speech.
"Kolintang is not just a musical instrument, but a symbol of harmony, unity, and creativity of the Indonesian society. This recognition is evidence of our collective commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the nation," said Fadli on December 5, 2024, as reported by Antara.
According to Fadli, this recognition also reflects the cross-cultural value of kolintang, which shares similarities with the Balafon, a traditional musical instrument from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Cte d'Ivoire in West Africa. Indonesia's collaboration with these three countries serves as evidence that traditional music can bridge geographical and cultural differences. Fadli conveyed his respect and pride to the entire kolintang community in Indonesia, including musicians, craftsmen, and cultural practitioners who have preserved the sustainability of this musical instrument.
UNESCO's recognition of kolintang encompasses five important domains of Intangible Cultural Heritage, namely oral traditions, performing arts, social practices and rituals, ecological knowledge, and traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, kolintang is expected to be a catalyst for change that transcends geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries, and supports the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Kolintang
As reported by djkn.kemenkeu.go.id, the name 'kolintang' originates from the tones produced by the musical instrument, such as tong for low tones, ting for high tones, and tang for medium tones. Moreover, the name 'kolintang' also comes from the phrase 'ber tong ting tang' while expressing the sentence 'Maimo Kumolintang' to invite people to play it. This expression gradually evolved into 'kolintang.'
In ancient times, kolintang music was used for traditional ritual ceremonies related to ancestor worship. However, over time, kolintang has been more commonly used as accompaniment for dance, songs, or musical performances. Furthermore, the creativity of the younger generation has led to collaborations between kolintang and modern musical instruments as accompaniments for pop, jazz, and rock songs.
Kolintang is made from specific light, yet dense wood, arranged in parallel lines. Typically, the woods used are kayu telur, kayu bandaran, kayu wnuang, and kayu kakinik. Subsequently, the wood from these trees is dried and processed into small blades.
Prior to this, the length of the blades is adjusted to produce the appropriate tones. Based on the sounds produced, kolintang is divided into nine types: loway (bass), cella (cello), karua (tenor 1), karua rua (tenor 2), uner (alto 1), uner rua (alto 2), katelu (ukulele), ina esa (melody 1), ina rua (melody 2), and ina taweng (melody 3).
Kolintang is played by striking it with mallets, small sticks with the end wrapped in cloth or thread. Usually, there are three mallets numbered for playing. Mallet number 1 is used in the left hand, while number two and three are held in the right hand, precisely in between the fingers according to accord.
Editor's Choice: Indonesia's Kolintang Inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Nissan: Indonesian Market More Suitable for Hybrid Cars
3 jam lalu
PT Nissan Motor Distributor Indonesia mentioned that the Indonesian automotive market is more suitable for using hybrid cars than BEV or Battery Electric Vehicle.
Indonesia's Kolintang Inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
8 jam lalu
Indonesian traditional musical instrument Kolintang has officially being added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
AFF Cup 2024: Shin Tae-yong Announces Indonesia Team, Marselino Ferdinan and Rafael Struick Included
1 hari lalu
Check out the list of players who will strengthen the Indonesian national team in the AFF Cup 2024 which will kick off on Monday, December 9.
AFF Cup 2024: Indonesia Women's Team Champions After a 3-1 Win Over Cambodia
2 hari lalu
The match between the Indonesian women's national team and Cambodia in the final of the AFF Cup 2024 ended 3-1 in favor of the Garuda Pertiwi team.
Hashim Reveals Indonesia's Plan to Build 103 Gigawatt Power Grid in 15 Years
2 hari lalu
Hashim Djojohadikusumo said the government would build a 103 gigawatt power grid. It requires cooperation from hundreds of companies and investments worth hundreds of billions of US dollars.
Police Chief: There are 2,900 Drug Villages in Indonesia
2 hari lalu
Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo says there are 2,900 drug villages in Indonesia.
Kebaya Inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List
2 hari lalu
Kebaya, a traditional women's attire cherished across Southeast Asia, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Indonesia Among Major Drug Producers, Says Minister
3 hari lalu
Minister of Coordination of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan has declared a state of narcotics emergency in Indonesia.
Indonesia's Reog Ponorogo Officially Inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
3 hari lalu
UNESCO has officially inscribed Reog Ponorogo performing art as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list.
20 Historical Events in Indonesia, From the Colonial Era to the Reform Era
3 hari lalu
Indonesian historical events reflect a long struggle, spirit of unity, and invaluable sacrifices
