The native Sasak tribe of Lombok have a number of musical instruments and performance arts that reflect their rich culture and unique heritage.
Through dance and music, the early Sasak people celebrated significant civic and social events such as royal feasts, religious ceremonies and marriage celebrations as well as making preparations for war.
Below are some of the instruments used as well as some of the more common performance arts.
Beleq Drum
One of Lombok’s best known musical instruments is the Beleq drum.
Also known as Gandang Beleq, this Drum is cylindrical in shape and is beaten at both ends.
Performaces of the Beleq drum can be played in a sitting or standing position as well as while walking as part of a procession.
In most instances, two Beleq Drum are played accompanied by a large gong.
Beleq drums were traditionally played when parties or ceremonies were held within the kingdom. However, in times of war, the Beleq Drum served as a morale booster for soldiers as they prepared to face their enemy.
Silu
Silu is essentially a simple flute made from a long, thin-walled piece of bamboo. Variations of the Silu can be found throughout Indonesia. Other traditional woodwind instruments include the petuk and rincik.
Gambus
The Gambus is a stringed instrument which may take the form of a lyre or mandolin. It was adopted in Lombok around the 15th century as Islamic influence spread throughout the archipelago.
Slober
Slober is a traditional instrument made from a thin slice of bamboo that is struck to create a vibrating sound. But slober also refers to musical performance where this small instrument is accompanied by the other traditional instruments previously described.
Slober is believed to be one of Lombok’s oldest musical art forms and is usually played every full moon.
The name Slober is taken from one of the villagers of Pringgasela in the East Lombok Regency Amaq Asih aka Amaq Slober who used to play the instrument in his spare time.
Peresean
Peresean is a battle between two men armed with rattan sticks and buffalo shields. Peresean was originally only done during traditional ceremonies held in the seventh month of Sasak calendar in order to ask for rain.
However, Peresean is often performed as part of Indonesian Independence Day celebrations and is a unique spectacle for tourists.
Rudat Dance
Rudat Dance is a traditional Sasak dance that is believed to have come to Indonesia from Turkey in the 15th century. The Rudat Dance resembles a Karate performance with all it’s punching and kicking movements.
Today Rudat Dance is used in welcoming guests at formal government events and may also be seen being performed on the street or the side of the highway as well-wishers accompany newlyweds to the home of the bride.
Tandang Mendet
Tandang Mendet is a Sasak Tribal war dance which is said to have existed since the days of Selaparang Kingdom.
This dance depicts the power struggle between local Sasak and their Balinese invaders and is played by dozens of people dressed up and carrying traditional weapons such as a sword, shield, and spear.
The dance is accompanied by the beat of the Beleq drum and the recitation of poetry describing the struggle.
Ketopat War
Ketopat War is a traditional event held at Pura Lingsar, Lombok. This mock war depicts the former battles between Sasak and Balinese but is performed nowadays as symbol of peace between Muslims and Hindus in Lombok.
The Balinese Rajah of Mataram built Pura Lingsar in 1727 as a multidenominational place of worship and today the temple itself is regarded a symbol of religious unity.
This event takes place in the afternoon, every seventh full moon in the Sasak calendar. In the afternoon which is the peak of the event that was performed after the Ashar prayer.
Begasingan
Begasingan is a traditional game that can be played by people of all ages. It combines elements of art and sport and involves trying to knock out small spinning discs using a larger spinning disc known as a stirrer.