In the Indonesian National Orchestra we see a rich diversity of percussion, string, plucked and wind instruments from all over Indonesia, some tiny, others massive. Most are made of natural materials, including bamboo, palm leaves and timber. The orchestra was founded fifteen years ago by prizewinning composer and ethnomusicologist Franki Raden, who made name creating film music. Nu he brings together contemporary and traditional styles and instruments.

“It’s about our slogan, Bhineka Tunggal Ika (‘unity in diversity’), and presenting a tangible form of it through the glorious combination of these different instruments in making a singular beautiful sound,” says Raden. Members of the orchestra come from different areas of Indonesia with different religious, social and class backgrounds. Many are local maestros and are curious about each other’s music, instruments and cultures.

Franki Suryadarma music director/gong/bedug/kentongan, Ni Putu Satya Cipta Wardani vocals, Cucu Kurnia Sundanese kendang, Desmal Hendri didgeridoo/serunai/taganing/kentongan/vocals, Dwiki Pebriansyah suling/tarompet/rebab/kentongan, Hendy Kurnia rebana kecimping/marawis/biang, Mohamad Sjamsurizal rebana kecimping/marawis/biang, Mohammad Fahrurrozi rebana kecimping/marawis/biang, Andre Dinuth electric guitar, Wanda Wilda Netanya Omar electric bass