Join in almost any major cultural event in Lombok and you will see a group of colourfully dressed performers carrying huge drums across their bodies, filling the air with the irresistible beat of Gendang Beleq.

Gendang Beleq (literally translated as “big drums”) is distinctive to Lombok and forms an important part of local cultural performances.

These big drums are actually a variant of the Kendang drum that traditionally accompanies Gamelan orchestras throughout Indonesia. The drum is long and barrel shaped and has a skin stretched over each end.

The right hand skin has a deep bass tone, while the left hand skin produces a higher pitched slap, characteristic of these drums. The sounds made by each skin can be changed by banging the right hand skin with a small mallet, or by covering one skin while hitting the other. In this way a variety of tones can be produced by the drummers.

The Gendang Beleq used in Lombok is distinctive because of its huge size – usually around 1.5 metres in length and fifty centimetres in diameter. Gendang Beleq drummers train for years to be able to master the combination of drumming, dancing and manoeuvring the size and weight of the drums, in a skilful and graceful performance.

In feudal times, when Lombok was divided into different kingdoms, the beat of Gendang Beleq was used to rouse warriors as they went into battle, and to welcome the triumphant soldiers when they returned home again.

In modern times, the big drums are now found accompanying traditional gamelan troupes at most important Lombok events. The drums form part of the overall orchestra of Gamelan, with gongs, smaller drums and cymbals; playing music that is distinctively Indonesian and – with the resonant tones of Gendang Beleq – distinctively Sasak.

However, like many traditional practices, Gendang Beleq was at one time in danger of disappearing in Lombok. In 1992, it was estimated that there were only around 30 known Gendeng Beleq troupes left on the island.

With modern music, radio, TV and MTV, the young people were not so interested in the old art and style of traditional music.

Then, in 2005 under an initiative led by Ibu Serinata, the wife of the then-Governor, the first Gendang Beleq Festival was organised, inspiring a surge of renewed interest in the art.

The revival of the art became a reality, with over 4000 drummers participating in the event. The success of the 2005 Festival resulted in an award from the National Museum, MURI, for breaking the Indonesian record for musical events.

A second festival was held in September 2006, this time with 5500 drummers participating, and the national record was once again broken. An award commemorating that feat was presented at the Festival – ensuring that Lombok holds a special place in the Indonesian record books.

Today there are more than 125 Gendang Beleq groups active in Lombok, with more people inspired to take pride in their unique local ceremonies and arts. 

Gendang Beleq troupes often appear at festivals and events throughout the year, so check with your hotel or travel agent for local performances when you visit.