DownloadGordang Sambilan of Batak Culture
Gordang Sambilan is a traditional art form of the Batak Mandailing ethnic group. "Gordang" means drum or kettledrum, while "sambilan" means nine. As the name suggests, Gordang Sambilan is composed of nine drums, each with distinct lengths and diameters that produce different pitches. Typically, six musicians play the ensemble: the two smallest drums (1,2) are called 'taba-taba', drum 3 is 'tepe-tepe', drum 4 is 'kudong-kudong', drum 5 is 'kudong-kudong nabalik', drum 6 is 'pasilion', and the largest drums (7,8,9) are the 'jangat'. Originally, Gordang Sambilan was performed exclusively for sacred ceremonies. Over time, with evolving social traditions, it is now commonly featured at weddings, guest welcoming events, and major public holidays. As a significant piece of Indonesia's cultural heritage, Gordang Sambilan has even been performed at the Presidential Palace. [2
