Sanggar Penderang: From the Chiming of Gender Wayang to Rindik, Where Young Souls Find Light Through the Sound of Gamelan
Located at Jl. Raya Uluwatu No.13, Jimbaran, South Kuta District, Badung Regency, Kedonganan, right beside Kedonganan Market, Sanggar Seni Penderang stands as a home to the soothing sounds of gamelan. Amid the lively bustle of Jimbaran, filled with tourist activities, this place serves as a serene space infused with the rhythms of tradition and the spirit of preserving ancestral culture.
History and Origins of Sanggar Penderang
Founded on July 15, 2015, by I Putu Ikka Darmawan, S.Sn., M.Sn., Sanggar Penderang was born out of a deep love for art and a sense of responsibility to preserve Bali’s cultural heritage. The name “PENDERANG” carries profound meaning, derived from the combination of Penabuh (Pen), Gender (Der), and Wayang (Ang). This combination symbolizes the sanggar’s identity as a place for gender wayang players, as well as a tribute to the artists of Jimbaran Village who have passed down sacred gamelan instruments and melodies to future generations. More than just a place to learn music, Sanggar Penderang embodies gratitude and devotion to the ancestors. This philosophy is reflected in their motto, “sanskriti suraksha prakash,” which means the awareness to protect culture so that it continues to shine. The phrase represents the soul of every note played within the sanggar, sounds that are not only beautiful but also illuminate cultural awareness among the younger generation.
Sanggar Penderang Practice Session (Source: Personal Collection)
Sanggar Penderang Practice Schedule
Every afternoon, from 3 to 6 p.m., the gentle chimes of gender wayang and rindik resonate softly through the courtyard of the sanggar. Children and teenagers arrive with enthusiasm, take their positions, touch the bronze keys of the gamelan, and slowly awaken the harmony that is uniquely Balinese. These sessions are more than just routine practice, they represent discipline, patience, and respect for their own culture. The afternoon atmosphere at Sanggar Penderang is always filled with warmth. The soft rays of the setting sun blend with the reflections from the gamelan’s bronze keys, creating a magical and unforgettable scene. The laughter of young players mingles with the melodic chimes, forming a harmony of youthful spirit. Within the repeating rhythms, they learn perseverance, togetherness, and the profound meaning of preserving ancestral heritage. Every note played is not merely a sound, but a prayer and a heartfelt expression of love for a culture that continues to live on through generations.
Sanggar Penderang Ngayah Program at the Temple
(Source: Personal Collection)
Activities Outside the Sanggar
In addition to regular practice sessions, Sanggar Penderang actively participates in ngayah every six months at various temples in Jimbaran and beyond. Through these activities, young students not only practice their musical skills but also learn to offer sacred melodies sincerely to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as an expression of devotion and gratitude. Every note played during ngayah becomes a holy offering that connects the harmony of gamelan with the inner peace of its players. The atmosphere of ngayah always brings warmth, blending spirituality, togetherness, and pride in being part of Bali’s sacred artistic heritage. The young performers, dressed in traditional attire, radiate respect and sincerity. Amid the shimmering sounds of gamelan, sacred and touching moments unfold. Through these experiences, they learn that playing gamelan is not merely about producing sound, but an act of devotion and reverence for Bali’s noble culture and spirituality.
Children’s Category Gender Wayang Competition
(Source: Personal Collection)
Sanggar Penderang’s Achievements
The success of Sanggar Seni Penderang is reflected in the many achievements earned by its young musicians. Since its founding, the sanggar has made a proud mark in various cultural competitions. In 2014, they won 2nd place in the Gender Wayang competition between districts across Badung Regency, and in the same year, claimed 1st place in the Bali-wide Gender Wayang competition held at Warmadewa University. Their journey continued in 2017, when they received 2nd Runner-up in the Bali-wide Gender Wayang competition at the Indonesian Hindu University. Most recently, at the 2024 Bali Arts Festival, Sanggar Penderang once again brought honor to Jimbaran by winning 3rd place in the Bali-wide Gender Wayang competition. These achievements stand as proof that cultural preservation can go hand in hand with dedication, discipline, and love for traditional arts. The main mission of Sanggar Penderang is to preserve the Gender Wayang tradition inherited from their ancestors, ensuring it remains alive and cherished in the hearts of the community. Sanggar Seni Penderang is not just a place to learn gamelan, but a place where children discover their inner light. Through the soft tones of the rindik and the shimmering notes of the gender wayang, they learn patience, perseverance, and the true meaning of respecting their culture.
