Tabanan, Rainbow over Ricefields

SGW Abdi Budaya

Although most of them are occupied as farmers, but when playing the castanets of gambelan gong kebyar, they look like professional artists. Even their movement and style almost come up to professional penabuh (instrumentalist),performed generally by men. It was seen from the way of holding the flank, till the technique beat which is almost perfect. They are also able to play beautiful songs (gending). Sometimes showing a refinement and then disappearing. That was a woman penabuh (instrument player) from Sekaa Gong Wanita (SGW) – woman gong group – Abdi Budaya of Banjar Anyar, Perean Village, Baturiti Subdistrict, Tabanan
This Sekaa Gong often traveling, moreover at Women’s Gong Kebyar Festival of all-Tabanan they are able reach the top 10 position. Even practicing once a week, they succeed to surprise the jury and audience. By playing the song ‘Pisan Bangunayar’ and accompanying Oleg Tamulilingan Dance, this sekaa enter as the finalist at last November’s competition. So it’s not lost that they have to come to Tabanan located 32 Km from Denpasar.
They have collected various trophies. Since established in 1986, SGW Adi Budaya was able to go out as 2nd winners at the Bali Arts Festival (1986), hereinafter as the 2nd winner of same event (1990), 3rd winner (1992), 2nd winner (1996) and 4th winner (2001) as mixture instrument player.
For those achievements, during 1990 – 1994, they fill events at hotel’s in Nusa Dua. They amuse the guest 2 times a week and often invited to stage if there are any village activities, like subak contest, village competition or other contests. Sometimes the Tabanan District Government invites them if there is any highlight events in the regency towns. “Our group which consists of 35 penabuh (player) and 6 pengayah (aide) accept this work as a tribute,” said I Gusti Biang Padma, the group leader.
According To I Gusti Biang Padma (45), the group members are mostly farmers, merchants, and housewives. But, as housewifes they always manage the family and serve the child and husband better. “For sure, playing the gamelan and joining this group is not solely for business, but intended for ngayah (charity stage) and channeling a hobby,” she clearly said.
When this group was firstly established (1986), the practice schedule was almost 3 times a day, start early (at 4 am), noon (12 pm) and nighttime (7 am). “Now our members are getting older but have we already prepared for replacements. Like ugal player Ni Ketut Rai who replaced her mother. Reong player, Men Godogan and Men Vera are the second generation replacing their seniors who were married to an opposite village,” Padma asserted.
Men Sumini, Men Novi and Men Eka commissioned as juru arah enhanced that, the gong (music instrument) used is a sacred gong. For evidence, they should make an offering during ‘odalan’ (ritual procession), as well as competing in contests, which submit an offering almost as much one bale (one sleeping place). “There are also abstentions. A baby who has not attained three months old, is not permitted to approach the gong, if not it will weep interminably. And doing so, if there is a member who is naughty and not willing to practice this will incur a serious disease. Uniquely, after sprinkled by tirtha (holy water), the ill people will be cured,” said I Wayan Tusti Adnyana, the Builder of SGW Abdi Budaya Br. Anyar.

(BTN/015)