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A Bird Bravely Taking Control of the Sky The Traditional Indonesian Song, “Manuk Dadali”

The legendary garuda bird occupies a special place in the Hindu mythology, and remains today as a symbolic animal of great reverence in Indonesia, where it is referred to as the sacred eagle. The country’s traditional song, “Manuk Dadali,”depicts the bird bravely taking control of the sky against the backdrop of upbeat rhythms. The song is played with the traditional instruments gambang and kendang, which make it instantly recognizable as Indonesian for its distinctive sounds.
The gambang is a xylophone-like instrument made of bamboo. The keys range from low to high, and it is characterized by clear and sharp notes. The kendang is a two-headed drum with a wooden body covered by leather on both ends. It looks similar to Korean percussion instruments, such as the buk or janggu. The kendang plays an important role in creating the magnificent melodies found in the song “Manuk Dadali.”

If you’re curious about this popular song performed with the gambang and kendang, scan the QR code. You can watch traditional Indonesian music on the KF ASEAN Cultural Center’s YouTube channel.