From Creators to the World Stage: The Story of Three Jembrana Bali Jegog Music Legends
Source: Public Relations of Jembrana Regency Government
Jembrana – Jembrana Regency has officially recognized three art figures as jegog legends, the highest honor for preservers of the region's traditional Music. The conferment upon Kiang Geliduh, Suprig, and Ketut Swentra was announced at the Jegog Spirit Festival 2025 held at Anjungan Cerdas Mandiri Rambut Siwi, Mendoyo, on 21/12/2025.
All three were acknowledged for their fundamental contributions to jegog's development, designated as an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2018.
Kiang Geliduh from Banjar Sebual is believed to have created jegog in 1912. Originally, this bamboo Music was played to entertain farmers and summon communities for mutual cooperation activities.
Suprig, the next generation, enriched jegog by integrating it into dance and Martial Arts, transforming it from field entertainment into full stage performances.
Meanwhile, Ketut Swentra (known as Pekak Jegog) elevated this art globally. Through the Jegog Suar Agung Foundation, he performed at events including the 1998 World Cup opening in France (ANTARA). His Sangkaragung art center regularly hosts Foreign Tourists studying this vibrant bamboo Music.
Source: David Hermeyer / Wikimedia
Regent I Made Kembang Hartawan emphasized jegog's enduring cultural identity: "We approved proposals from art observers and practitioners to award these three the legend title."
Head of Bali's Bureau of Procurement and Economy, I Made Budi Adiana, stated the festival drives artistic regeneration: "This concrete effort ensures the Younger Generation cherishes ancestral heritage amid globalization," he told ANTARA.
Jegog Spirit Festival 2025 featured approximately 1,500 artists from 75 jegog groups (sekaa) across the region.
Thus, jegog transcends bamboo music—it is the cultural soul of Jembrana, Bali, pulsating through generations as a source of communal pride.
