Gendang Beleq /Big Drum (Lombok Traditional Musik)

Gendang Beleq is one of the most popular traditional dance from Lombok. It is named
so because each dancer plays a big beleq (drum). In the old times, this dance was
performed to say good bye to the soldiers who went to battle fields, and also to
welcome those soldiers when they returned. Nowadays this dance is performed to
welcome important visitors.
It also a lot performed in various occasions such as marriage ceremonies, in a parade
called Nyongkolan and also for the entertainment of the important guests in Lombok.



The performance of Gendang Beleq also combined with dance called Gandrung. The
dance involves two huge drums to accompany it. The word Beleq means huge and the
other word Gendang stands for drum. The drums make loud noises, which in turn
signify the essence that makes war. 4 or 6 Oceh/Oncer dancer also plays Copeh
Instrument and 1 person plays Petuk. Additional instrument are Suling, Gong,
Terumpang, Kenceng and Pencek. Total player in a group of this performance is around
forty persons.



In the performance of Gendang Beleq have 3 parts and meaning of each part. First part
danced by Oncer player, Gendang and Petuk. This part is representation of the soldier
going for war. Second part danced by Petuk player with funny style, this dance just for
entertain the audience. Third part danced by Oncer player, Gendang and Petuk, this
part is representation of the war over.



All the performers wear colorful dresses while dancing. They wearing traditional
customs such short pant and cloth, collared clothes, traditional belt called dodot and
headband.

Now Gendang Beleq is a part of Indonesian culture festival to promote about Lombok. It
is also become one of art education in school. Most of Junior high school in Lombok has
Gendang beleq group who can perform and plays as well as their senior. Gendang
Beleq attracts music lovers of all people because it is not only to entertain the soldier
but all people who see this would enjoy and like it