UNRIYO Students’ Opinion about the Role of Youth in Preserving Javanese Gamelan in the Modern Era

Abstract

This study explores the role of youth in preserving gamelan as part of Javanese cultural heritage in the modern era. Although gamelan holds deep cultural and philosophical meaning, interest among the younger generation is declining due to the influence of globalization and the rise of modern entertainment. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the research involved interviews with three active students from UNRIYO. The findings show that while these students have basic knowledge of gamelan, most of their peers show low interest. This is largely due to the perception that gamelan is outdated, along with limited access and facilities for learning and practicing it. Despite this, all participants agreed that youth have an important role in preserving gamelan. They can contribute through active participation in performances, promoting gamelan via social media, and combining it with modern music to attract wider audiences. The study recommends integrating gamelan into school curricula, producing engaging digital content, and establishing cultural communities to spark greater interest among young people. Youth are viewed as agents of change who can help adapt and promote traditional culture in a way that fits today’s context. In conclusion, the preservation of gamelan is not solely the responsibility of the government or cultural institutions. It also depends on the active involvement of the younger generation in reimagining and continuing these cultural traditions in modern and creative ways.