In-Depth Interview with a Maestro of Javanese Music: Exploring the Depths of Karawitan with Mr. Dianto

        

        The definition of Karawitan according to Mr. Diyanto, a Karawitan expert, states that: "Karawitan comes from the words 'ka' and 'rawit.' 'Rawit' means smooth, so Karawitan, in linguistic terms, refers to the refinement of feelings manifested in the art of percussion. The relationship between Karawitan and gamelan is as follows: 'Karawitan' linguistically means art, while 'gamelan' comes from the words 'gamel' and 'an,' meaning work. So, gamelan is percussion performed by someone producing pleasant sounds.

        Preserving Karawitan as suggested by experts is essential to prevent its appropriation by other countries. Karawitan is a cultural heritage from ancestors. During the era of Sunan Kalijaga in Demak, gamelan was used as a medium for preaching to develop religion, a tradition now continued in the Yogyakarta Palace known as Sekaten.

        Karawitan has several cultural elements, including "wiroso," where playing gamelan requires a sense of refinement, not to be played arbitrarily. The second is "wiromo," where playing gamelan involves rhythm and proper etiquette. The development of Karawitan is adjusted to the needs of society, related to their preferences. Therefore, Karawitan can be modified with dangdut rhythm or religious singing, as seen in the Kyai Kanjeng gamelan on YouTube.

        A set of gamelan consists of complementary components, with up to 20 types, such as gambang, demung, saron, bonang, bonang penerus, gong, kempul, kenong, gambang, gender, siter, rebab, kemanak, kemodong, and others. Studying Karawitan has benefits, such as continuing to a Karawitan art school or becoming an artist, for example, a puppeteer like Mas Ikhsan from Botorejo Village, Wonosalam District, Demak Regency.

        In developing Karawitan, it is crucial to choose the right approach for wider access to the general public. This can be achieved through socialization to make children love Karawitan, and relevant offices can provide training to elementary and middle school teachers. Subsequently, teachers can pass on their knowledge to students. The challenge faced is that not all schools have gamelan instruments. The government strives to sustain Karawitan by organizing training sessions and recruiting teenagers to form Karawitan groups, relying on government funding. However, the Demak government has not allocated funds for the formation of Karawitan groups among teenagers.

        Schools can also contribute to preserving Karawitan by organizing extracurricular Karawitan activities. All school members play a role in preserving Karawitan by learning and practicing continuously, applying it in school life, such as during student graduations accompanied by gamelan performances.