Alienated in its Own Land
Sasando, the musical instrument from Rote Island, East Nusa Tenggara, is increasingly difficult to find in its place of origin. Many foreigners are interested in studying this traditional music art.
October 6, 2010
IN the middle of the dimly lit RRI auditorium, Jakarta, 39-year-old Jacko H.A. Bullan appeared as if he was deeply immersed in his own world. His eyes were only half-open, and his fingers were “dancing” between the strings of his sasando. This traditional Rote musical instrument has the ability to produce a multitude of unique tunes. At times, it sounded just like a Hawaiian ukulele, and then it turns into a Spanish guitar or gives off the el
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