Saving the Lost Melodies: Community-Based Documentation of Gambang Kromong Intangible Cultural Heritage

Riyan Adi Putra; Haykal Rizky Adam

doi:10.15408/bat.v32i1.50484

Authors

Riyan Adi Putra (Scopus ID: 57985680500) UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta
Haykal Rizky Adam Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15408/bat.v32i1.50484

Keywords:

community archives, documentation, Gambang Kromong , intangible cultural heritage, knowledge management

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to critically examine the documentation processes of the Gambang Kromong intangible cultural heritage and to analyze the operational constraints faced by a grassroots movement, specifically the Tukang Tabuh Community.

Method

This research adopts a qualitative approach utilizing a case study design. Primary data were collected from three key informants through semi-structured in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentary analysis. The validity of the data was rigorously established using both methodological and source triangulation.

Results/findings

The findings reveal that the community successfully transitioned from static live recording methods to an active digital audio engineering methodology using a track-by-track technique, complemented by historically valid visual curation. Furthermore, significant operational constraints—including cognitive "repertoire shock," financial limitations, and instrumental deficits—were effectively mitigated through oral memory incubation, budget rationalization for soundproof studio rentals, and multi-instrumentalism strategies. Multichannel dissemination employing bilingual metadata also proved highly effective in converting oral traditions into global information assets.

Conclusion

The Tukang Tabuh Community has successfully formulated an adaptive archival advocacy model, demonstrating that grassroots communities can independently and effectively safeguard collective memory. It is strongly recommended that this community-led digital preservation model be replicated by other cultural entities. Future research should investigate the long-term technological sustainability and infrastructure of such independent digital repositories

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