For those who are curious about these ‘old’ kids who love gamelan were born, let’s take a peek to their starting point.

The story begins in one fine afternoon in Jogja. A group of mas-mas and mbak-mbak, students of English department 2009, just finishing Cross Cultural Understanding class, were apparently addicted to gamelan-playing after 1 semester learning to play those traditional instruments.

To satisfy their desire for playing gamelan, they started looking for a place where they can play the gamelan.

They finally decided to visit Mr. Eddy's house. They were told to try practicing gamelan at BBM (Balai Budaya Minomartani), an ethnically beautiful cultural place/spot located in a small alley near a small gasoline shop in Condong Catur. There, they met Mas Nanang Karbito who later on (and until now) becomes their coach and conducts every practice. After a few times practicing, it was agreed that the regular practice would be held every Thursday.

They started learning instruments they were interested in. At that time, Mbak Nanda had not fallen for rampak yet and Mas Fajar still wearing pom-pom* on his head. First practice was started. Those mas-mas and mbak-mbak who years ago were not expert at all at gamelan had to learn not only how to play but also how to respect and value all the sequences of learning gamelan. It was also a form of appreciation for those who had invented such sacred notes which are full of values and power. It is also a process of conserving culture by gradually developing recent songs. Later on there will be a process of creating and composing new song arrangement which is truly new as a form of creativity and delivering idea. In short, this process will respect the old ones but at the same time creating the new ones. Travelling to past in order to firmly stand and walk towards the future.

First song played was Asmaramurka composed by Mas Nanang Karbito himself. This song talks about Rahwana*, The Dasamuka and how Ramayana epos is seen from his point of view. Until now, this song is still played. And, from that moment on, with a lot of struggles, Prasasti become more well-known and hold many performances. Gamelan songs composed by Mas Nanang are also increasing in number.

Prasasti begun with just a scratch, finally this bunch of gamelan lovers can be launched to the universe.

Mr. Eddy personally is also happy and proud of his students who are enthusiastic to learn and conserve traditional cultures. Karawitan course in Cross Cultural Understanding which initially formed by Pak Eddy and was an optional class finally comes to its triumph by a getting a compulsory-class status.

We hope that Prasasti will flourish and more people will be attracted in learning gamelan and other traditional cultures.

Nguri-uri budhaya Jawi~