“Ngabuana,” A Space for Musical Expression at the Bandung City Pavilion
Bandung, 19 November 2025 - The Bandung City Pavilion on Jalan Dalem Kaum No. 56 once again became a center of artistic activity as the Tikpul (Titik Kumpul) community held an event entitled “Ngabuana” from 19:00 to 22:00 WIB. As a creative platform dedicated to encouraging musicians to articulate their ideas and original works, Tikpul, through this event, sought to foster a dialogic space where tradition, innovation, and the dynamics of contemporary musical development in Bandung can intersect.
The event opened with a discussion led by Dr. Iwan Gunawan, S.Pd., M.Sn., a distinguished academic and composer widely recognized for the concept of Ensamble Kyai Fatahillah (EKF). In this session, he elaborated on the historical background and philosophical foundations of EKF as an approach to reinterpreting traditional music through a contemporary lens. His systematic and well-reasoned explanation provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of how musical works can remain rooted in tradition while simultaneously responding to modernity through aesthetic innovation.
(Source: Ensamble Kyai Fathillah, 2025)
Following the discussion segment, the Ngabuana stage featured a performance by Ensamble Kyai Fatahillah, a Talent and Interest Unit (UMB) under the Music Education Study Program, Faculty of Arts and Design Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. Guided directly by Dr. Iwan, this unit has long been known as a creative laboratory that promotes cross-genre musical exploration with a particular emphasis on contemporary music. Over the years, EKF has established an impressive record of performances at both national and international levels, positioning it as one of the most influential UMBs in advancing modern performing arts within academic environments.
During Ngabuana, Ensamble Kyai Fatahillah presented three musical works that highlighted the ensemble’s depth of creativity and artistic complexity. The first piece, “Kulu-Kulu,” was a gamelan composition by Dr. Iwan Gunawan. The second piece, “Susuganan,” and the final work, “Bangbung Hideung,” were performed in a gamelan band format, integrating traditional instruments with elements of combo music to produce a more progressive sonic character.
(Source: Ensamble Kyai Fathillah, 2025)
The event drew attention from a diverse audience, including university students, musicians, arts researchers, and members of the general public with an interest in the trajectory of traditional and contemporary music. The interaction among the audience, speakers, and performers created an engaging and dialogic atmosphere that broadened perspectives on how music can function as a medium of reflection, identity formation, and innovation.
As a space where ideas, practices, and artistic appreciation converge, Ngabuana not only underscored Tikpul’s commitment to strengthening Bandung’s musical ecosystem but also reaffirmed the role of arts education institutions in cultivating adaptive, creative, and globally engaged musicians. The event further demonstrated how tradition and contemporary expression can coexist and collaborate without diminishing their essence, positioning Ngabuana as a significant milestone in Bandung’s contemporary performing arts landscape.
Kontributor FPSD PRESS: Raihan Faiz Al Faras
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