Angklung Instrument

Angklung: A Traditional Musical Instrument

The word “angklung” comes from the Sundanese term “angkleung-angkleung,” meaning the motion of players following the rhythm. Meanwhile, “klung” refers to the tone produced by this musical instrument.

Each note is generated by bamboo tubes of varying sizes. When shaken, they produce a beautiful, melodious sound. That’s why angklung is played collectively to form a complete melody.

Angklung is typically crafted from black bamboo (Awi wulung) or Awi temen, which turns pale yellow when dried. It is assembled by binding two to four bamboo tubes of different sizes together with rattan.

How to Play Angklung

Playing angklung is simple: the player holds the frame at the top and shakes the bottom portion to produce sound. There are three fundamental techniques:

1. Kerulung (Shake)

This is the most common and basic technique, where both hands grip the base of the bamboo tubes and shake them left and right repeatedly to sustain a note.

2. Centok (Strike)

In this technique, the tube is quickly pulled by the fingers toward the palm, causing the angklung to sound once with a sharp, staccato tone.

3. Tengkep

Here, the player shakes one tube while holding others still, allowing only a single note to sound.

Types of Angklung

Throughout its history, angklung has evolved into various regional types across Indonesia. Here are the main types:

1. Angklung Kanekes

Originating from the Baduy people, Angklung Kanekes is performed only during rice planting ceremonies. Its construction is exclusively carried out by members of the Baduy Dalam community.

2. Angklung Reog

Used to accompany the Reog Ponorogo dance in East Java, this type features a distinct shape and sound compared to standard angklung. Its tone is louder and consists of only two notes. Angklung Reog is also commonly used as a decorative element and is known locally as klong kluk.

3. Angklung Dogdog Lojor

Dogdog Lojor is a traditional ritual honoring rice crops. This angklung type is played exclusively during ceremonial occasions, still practiced by the Kasepuhan Pancer Pangawinan community in southern Banten. Every year, the Banten Kidul indigenous community holds the Dogdog Lojor tradition.

In this tradition, only six players participate: two play the Dogdog Lojor angklung, while the other four play larger angklung instruments.

4. Angklung Badeng

Originating from Garut, Angklung Badeng was originally used to accompany rice planting rituals. With the spread of Islam in earlier times, its function shifted to accompany religious preaching.

Nine angklungs are required to support preaching ceremonies: two roel, one kecer, four indung, two anak, two dogdog, and two gembyung.

5. Angklung Padaeng

Introduced by Daeng Soetigna in 1938, this type features modified bamboo structures capable of producing diatonic scales. This innovation allows angklung to be played alongside modern and popular musical instruments.

Daeng Soetigna’s vision was continued by Handiman Diratmasasmita, who aimed to align angklung with international musical standards.

Handiman further developed the diatonic angklung with improved craftsmanship. Alongside Handiman Diratmasasmita, Udjo Ngalegena also played a key role in promoting angklung to wider audiences.

Angklung Instrument Screenshots