I Ketut Suwentra
The Grandfather of Jegog

Ketut Suwentra who goes by the name Pekak Jegog, is a Balinese artist and master in playing the giant bamboo gamelan, declared as the specific art form for Jembrana regency in West Bali. The Jegog orchestra has been the icon or trade mark for the region. The local culturist, Ketut Surung, the foreign scholar Kate Beddal and the musician Michael Tenzer, both of USA agree that “Jegog was created by Kiyang Geliduh at the small village of Sebual, the region of Jembrana. In the other hand, they also agree that Jembrana is the home of Jegog.
I Ketut Suwentra was born in the haven of Jegog, the village of Sangkaragung, on the outskirts of the capital town of Negara is accustomed to playing the gamelan since his childhood. His aesthetic talent has been sharpened with academic study in music, graduated from the Art Institute of Denpasar with focus of interest in Jegog Gamelan and dances. As a choreographer Ketut Suwentra created numerous choreography and Balinese dance, also composed the composition of lyrical tone for Jegog orchestra. He founded the Suar Agung Foundation based at Sangkaragung concerning the art lessons, gamelan museum, regular jegog performance and travelling show in foreign countries, especially to Japan.
Nowdays, Ketut Suwentra has come to the age of 56 years, born on December 12, 1948. Having some grandchildren, he has become a grandfather, locally known as Pekak Jegog.
(BTN/Lanus Sumatra)