State University of Malang’s Contribution to Advancing Nusantara Music Arts
Lokovasia 2024: State University of Malang’s Contribution to Advancing Nusantara Music Arts
Faculty of Letters
Visual communication design
September 7, 2024
Learning and Students, Student Learning and Activities
SDG 12
On September 5, 2024, Universitas Negeri Malang held the Lokovasia 2024 event, a major initiative that showcases Nusantara music arts at various strategic points on campus, such as in front of the Rectorate Building, Outdoor Learning Space (OLS), and along Jalan Veteran. This event carries a major mission to advance and preserve Nusantara music arts. Through a series of traditional music performances and exhibitions, Universitas Negeri Malang contributes to promoting the preservation of local music arts with a sustainable approach.
Lokovasia 2024 presents various traditional music performances from all over the archipelago, showcasing the rich cultural diversity. Every point of the event—starting from in front of the Rectorate Building to Jalan Veteran—presents traditional music performances that inspire the spirit of cultural preservation. In front of the Rectorate Building, gamelan and traditional dance performances opened the event with splendor and beauty that illustrate the richness of East Javanese art.
At the Outdoor Learning Space (OLS), collaborative musical performances between traditional musical instruments such as the angklung and kecapi with modern music are a special attraction. The harmony between traditional and contemporary musical elements creates an immersive experience that not only honors cultural heritage, but also invites the younger generation to appreciate and preserve it. Meanwhile, along Jalan Veteran, rows of art and cultural booths display various Nusantara musical instruments, from the Sasando from East Nusa Tenggara to the Saluang from West Sumatra. Here, visitors can not only enjoy the performances, but also interact directly with musical instrument craftsmen and learn about the environmentally friendly manufacturing process.
The craftsmen present at Lokovasia 2024 provided insights into how they strive to produce musical instruments in a more environmentally friendly way. For example, the use of bamboo taken from sustainably managed forests and recycled metals for making gamelan were highlighted in the discussions. In addition, several innovations in musical instruments using alternative materials were also introduced, showing that traditional musical art can thrive without damaging nature. The event also provides space for technology to play a role in preserving traditional music. With digitalization, Nusantara music can be archived and shared widely without having to produce physical copies on a large scale, reducing the consumption of natural resources and the resulting environmental impact.
As part of the effort to advance Nusantara music, Lokovasia 2024 also provides education to visitors about the importance of responsible music consumption. One aspect that is emphasized is the support for local musicians and the purchase of traditional musical instruments from craftsmen who prioritize sustainable production. Consuming traditional music does not only mean listening and enjoying, but also playing an active role in supporting the ecosystem that allows the art to continue to live and develop.
Discussions held during the event also highlighted how the community can get involved in preserving culture through simple actions such as participating in local art performances or supporting traditional music digitalization efforts. With better consumption awareness, it is hoped that the traditional music arts of the archipelago can continue to be appreciated and preserved by the next generation.
In addition, the university also acts as a bridge between academics, artists and industry, creating a platform where innovative ideas on traditional music preservation can be developed. Through programs such as Lokovasia, students and lecturers are encouraged to conduct research related to traditional music preservation, utilizing modern technology and environmentally friendly approaches.
Lokovasia 2024 is not just a music show, but also a real movement to preserve culture through a sustainable approach. This event emphasizes that Nusantara music has an important role in maintaining the nation’s identity, and the preservation of this art must be carried out by considering environmental sustainability.