On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, the Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL) co-hosted 'Indonesian Culture Session' at the Yanagido Hall on campus with the members of a GU Indonesian student group called 'Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia (PPI, Gifu),' as part of 'International Month 2023.'
First, Assistant Professor SUZUKI Yoshitaka of the Special Needs Education, the Faculty of Education, GU, introduced the Indonesian students and angklungs (plural form of angklung)^1), a traditional music instrument originated in Indonesia. On November 18, 2010, UNESCO officially recognized the Indonesian angklung as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Angklung is a highly popular musical instrument among people in Indonesia because it is easy to play for anyone including people with disabilities, children, and senior citizens.
After the general introduction of food culture, religion, and life in Indonesia by the member of PPI Gifu, angklungs were handed to everyone in the hall, and the students and the staff members enjoyed playing angklung together after some practicing.
Next, PPI Gifu members performed a variety of music with angklung including Indonesian songs, pop music, and Japanese songs. The entire audience was fascinated with the students' brilliant performances and immersed themselves in the traditional Indonesian sounds.
Over 40 Indonesian students are currently studying at GU. GU-GLOCAL continues to offer international students an opportunity to meet and mingle with GU students for their better understanding of each countries' culture and people.
1) a traditional musical instrument in Indonesia made of a varying number of bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. The tubes are carved to have a resonant pitch when struck and are tuned to octaves. The base of the frame is held in one hand, while the other hand shakes the instrument, causing a repeating note to sound.
Introduction of Indonesian culture
Angklung performance by PPI Gifu members
Angklung
