JAKARTA – The West Manggarai Regency Government plans a big change for local tourism. Officials want to make Cakatinding, a traditional bamboo music, the new cultural symbol of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT). The Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture Agency drives this effort. Consequently, they hope to attract more visitors to the region. Moreover, the local leaders aim to protect the area’s rich identity as the Labuan Bajo travel industry grows fast.
Felix Edon, an expert in traditional Manggarai music, loves the government’s new plan. He warmly welcomes the effort to bring this old art back to life. Therefore, the younger generation will not forget their roots. He notes that the fast-paced modern world often pushes old traditions aside. However, he believes this new focus gives the local culture a fresh heartbeat.
From the Farms to the Big Stage
Cakatinding carries a long and colorful history. Long ago, Manggarai farmers played this bamboo instrument in their fields. They used the music to rest their minds after a hard day of work. Additionally, the loud sounds scared away hungry pests like monkeys and wild boars. Over the years, the music changed its purpose. Slowly, it grew from a simple farming habit into a real performing art.
Today, musicians play Cakatinding on its own, or they mix it with modern sounds. Felix explains that the bamboo fits perfectly with flutes, drums, violins, and even electric bass guitars. Furthermore, the instrument proudly took the stage at many large events over the past few decades. For example, a local arts group played it in the 1990s. Later, hundreds of students performed the music together for Independence Day in 2004. Eventually, the Ministry of Education and Culture of Indonesia officially named Cakatinding a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in October 2022.
Building a Future with Culture
Fransiskus Selmas, a leader at the culture agency, sees a bright future for the music. He clearly states that the government does not just want to look back at the past. Instead, they want to give travelers a real and true cultural experience. He knows that tourists love beautiful nature, but they also want to feel the local spirit. Therefore, he believes that bamboo music serves as a perfect gift for visitors.
Fransiskus also shares a strong message about the travel business. He argues that preserving culture prepares the region for the future. A travel industry without culture lacks a soul. Consequently, the government takes real steps right now to build that soul. They teach high school students how to make and play the bamboo instrument. During these classes, the teens learn to pick the right old bamboo and cut it during the dark moon phase. Afterward, they tune the bamboo to match the local five-note scale.
Ultimately, the local leaders hold a clear vision for the young artists. They want the students to play Cakatinding in public parks and tourist spots every week. In addition, the government hopes the music creates new jobs and helps the local economy grow. By doing this, the people of West Manggarai ensure their beautiful traditions live on for many years to come.
Photo doc. CNN Indonesia
Video doc. Felix Edon
