JAKARTA, BALI, September 1, 2005: An appreciative Japanese audience was able to partake in a performance by Saur Agung, a Balinese gamelan troupe from Jembrana regency, West Bali on September 1. The news release explains the performance, “Presenting a gamelan Jegog ensemble, which was made of lines of bamboo, and danced under the theme Sabda Jagad Sakti (the Voice of the Universe), the 22 members of the troupe started the show with a dance titled Satya Jagaditha. The dance tells a tale of a strong and faithful leader who stands up for his people and creates peace in the universe. The dance is inspired by an ancient Balinese history that relates to the Hindu Galungan Holiday. It portrays good against evil and describes how good deeds will triumph in the end. The troupe comprises professional artists, many of whom are also farmers in their village of Sangkar Agung, Jembrana, around 100 kilometers west of Denpasar.” Under the leadership of Dr. I Ketut Suwentra, the troupe has visited Japan 15 times and has attracted quite a fan base. The 2,000-seat concert hall was filled to capacity.
Suwentra talks about what the experience means to the troupe, “Despite the rapid growth of industrialization and modernization, Japanese people are known to strongly uphold their traditions and are also keen about learning other countries’ traditions. The show not only created a good image of Bali in particular and Indonesia in general, but also a bridge to unite the people of the two countries.” Ketut Sudamber, a farmer and a talented gamelan player, adds, “I was so surprised to receive a lot of gifts from the Japanese fans. I felt like a star musician.”