The Anklung is a traditional musical instrument made of bamboo tubing originating in West Java, Indonesia. It is called a humble musical instrument and is played with a great deal of pride for those who they themselves originate from that part of the world. Five years ago, the Anklung was recognized by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of Oral & Intangible Heritage of Humanity”.
That pride is often shared with others on a local level during special occasions throughout the year as a way of familiarizing the Anklung with the general public. In July of 2011, the Indonesian Embassy in Washington sponsored a successful attempt at a Guinness Book of World Records with the largest ensemble of Anklungs. Over 5000 Anklungs were played at the same time on the grounds of the Washington Monument … a record since broken.
This past Saturday at Montgomery Community College’s Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring, Md, The House of Anklung (HOA)- a local ensemble of Anklung performers who hail from all parts of Indonesia – presented “Pulau -The Anklung Concert”. The concert served as another way of introducing the Anklung to the American public. Among others, the concert featured a student Anklung orchestra featuring young students from the Montgomery County (Md) School System as part of HOA’s “Anklung Goes to School Program”.
Ambassador/Alternate Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Indonesia in UNESCO, Prof. Dr. TA Fauzi Soelaiman stated that “playing the Anklung promotes cooperation, team work and mutual respect, which is in line with the Indonesian motto: ‘Bhinneks Tunggal Ika’, or Unity in Diversity”.
