Ahmad Supandi, the Gambus Betawi Maestro

With the newly passed Jakarta Special Region Law, Supandi hopes that Betawi culture will be given more attention.

KOMPAS/ATIEK ISHLAHIYAH AL HAMASY

Ahmad Supandi or Haji Hendy when met at his house, Monday (1/4/2024).

About 31 years ago, Ahmad Supandi (61) alias Haji Hendy became interested in learning traditional Betawi music when he took his son to learn the tabla instrument. in Menteng, Central Jakarta. He also studied tabla and finally took up playing harp music.

Gambus music, which is synonymous with the rhythm of the desert, once flourished in Betawi in 1940. Gambus music never missed accompanying celebrations, circumcision events, and religious activities. The development of gambus music in Betawi cannot be separated from immigrants from Hadramaut in the early 19th century.

Also read: Jakarta Live Act, Efforts to Promote Betawi Culture in the Music Industry

On March 11, 1993, Ahmad Supandi formed a music group gambus Betawi called Arrominiah. Arrominiah Gambus Studio is located on Jalan Mampang Prapatan 15, RT 007 RW 005, Pancoran District, South Jakarta. The name Arrominiah comes from the name of her daughter, Amira Rominia.

At that time, there were many young people in his village, including competent musicians. Unfortunately, their talents did not develop due to the lack of a container to explore them. Supandi saw that potential. He then gathered the musicians and formed Gambus Arrominiah.

"In 1998, during the riots, we started appearing on television stations. That same year, the orchestra was formed," he said on Monday (1/4/2024) afternoon.

KOMPAS/ATIEK ISHLAHIYAH AL HAMASY

A number of musical instruments used by Ahmad Supandi, Monday (1/4/2024).

Initially, Supandi and his colleagues played the gambus among the congregation and Arab people. At the beginning of his career, the gambus was considered rustic among the Betawi community. Therefore, he is committed to changing the image of the gambus with various innovations and intends to popularize the gambus in Indonesia.

Various innovation done by Supandi include featuring dancers in their performances, such as zapin dancers. Different costumes for each show that match the event's theme are also considered important. The players' ethics are also a concern. "Without innovation, the community will be left behind because the audience will grow tired," says Supandi, who has artistic blood from his father.

Also read: The story of Betawi culture keepers increasingly hit by the pandemic

Established 31 years ago, the current generation of Gambus Arrominiah players is mostly comprised of third-generation members with an average age ranging from 22-30 years old. "Many children of the first generation continue their fathers' legacies, like one of my own children. So, it can be said to have been passed down from generation to generation," said the man who idolizes musicians Umm Kulthum from Egypt and Muhammad Rafi from India.

KOMPAS/ATIEK ISHLAHIYAH AL HAMASY

Betawi ondel-ondel dolls in front of Ahmad Supandi's house, Monday (1/4/2024).

On average, each player in the gambus music group can master 3-4 musical instruments. This is different from gambus music in general. There are several musical instruments in the Betawi gambus that are played, such as the kendang galak, accordion, and maracas. Meanwhile, keyboard, flute, and bass guitar are additional musical instruments.

Usually, there are 8-15 musicians performing. If invited to an orchestra, there will be around 120 musicians and dancers performing.

To date, Gambus Arrominiah has released 10 albums. His first album was released in 1995 entitled Ya Arhamarrohimin. The last album was released in 2015 entitled Marhaban in collaboration with singer Cici Paramida.

"The song we created uses Arabic and contains many moral messages. "Like shalawatan," said Supandi.

Without innovation, society will be abandoned because the audience will get bored.

Endure

Besides exploring all the islands in Indonesia, Gambus Arrominiah has also performed in several countries, including the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Egypt, Yemen, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam.

"Our most memorable performance was when we performed in The Hague, Netherlands. This is because 90% of the audience were foreigners who may not understand Arabic and Indonesian languages. However, they were very enthusiastic, respectful, and enjoyed the music of Arrominiah," said Supandi.

Not only attending events or invitations, but currently Gambus Arrominiah also uploads their works on Youtube. Supandi has prepared many songs to be uploaded on his Youtube account.

"Nowadays, the times are advanced. There are social media platforms that make it easier for musicians to be known to the public. In the past, it was not that easy. If you wanted to be known, every time you were invited to an event, you had to give your best performance. If not, no one would pay attention," he said.

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For Supandi, musicians must have their own market. He is grateful that even though he has been in the industry for a long time, his music group is still appreciated by the public. This is proven by his frequent invitations to perform in several big events, such as the recent appearance at the 2024 Bedug Festival held by the Jakarta Provincial Government at Balai Kota, Central Jakarta, on Friday (29/3/2024).

Supandi emphasized that if musicians want to always exist, they must always develop with the times. You can stick to your grip, but you can't get stuck, and you can innovate.

"Although the musical style is changed, traditional Betawi musical instruments can still be used. The stage can also be modified to avoid monotony. Singers and musicians should also be attractive. They must observe the works of others and read a lot," he said.

ARSIP AHMAD SUPANDI

Gambus Arrominiah group performing at an event.

According to Supandi, government support for Betawi culture is still not fully maximized. With the newly enacted Jakarta Special Region Law, he hopes that Betawi culture will receive more attention, as there are several cultures that are almost extinct.

"Apart from the community's responsibility, the government is also the main responsible as the community's representative, especially the Culture Service and the DKI Jakarta Province Tourism and Creative Economy Service. I also ask that the DKI Tourism Department prioritize traditional music when attracting tourism in Jakarta, such as in Bali. "In the future, foreigners, if they come here, will be interested," he continued.

Ahmad Supandi

Born: Jakarta, July 5 1962

Education: Bachelor's degree in Political Science at Averus University in Jakarta (1982-1986)

Certificate of Merit:

• The recognition as an instructor in the Traditional Literature Art training activities held on March 12-25, 2019 at the South Jakarta Art Training Service Unit, Center for Cultural Arts Training Management under the DKI Jakarta Tourism and Culture Department.
• Awarded as a jury team in the Betawi Song Creation Competition in 2013 by the Regional Leadership Council of the Indonesian Artists, Singers, Songwriters and Musicians Association (DPD PAPPRI) of DKI Jakarta.