An unusual sight was seen at President University on Monday (7/22) afternoon. Some foreigners were seen playing the gamelan with a big smile on their face.
This gamelan performance is part of Morning Sunshine Project 4.0, which was participated by exchange participants of AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales) President University. Morning Sunshine Project itself is a global volunteers program to support the implementation of Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia. The program aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving underwater living creatures through teaching activities, campaigns, and direct action such as beach cleaning and mangrove planting.
Coming from 16 countries such as Morocco, France, South Korea, Hong Kong, Canada, Thailand, etc., these exchange participants got the opportunity to learn basic techniques in playing these original Indonesian instruments. Although it is not easy to create a beautiful harmony, they look so excited about taking part in this gamelan class.
“This is my first experience playing gamelan, I am so happy and it takes me to another level of feeling,” said Sabah, a student from Lebanon.
For approximately two hours, the exchange participants enthusiastically followed the instructions from the instructor in creating the rhythm of the gamelan. Jonathan from England revealed, “I am aware that the beauty of gamelan is in harmony between the instruments. For that reason, when I play the gong, I try to harmonize the tools that I play with other instruments,” he said.
Dede Ulandari, Head of the program explained the exchange participants visited President University to support the implementation of SDG in Indonesia. However, it is not complete if you visit a country without studying the culture. Therefore, while at President University they will attend several gamelan classes.