Three prominent musicians performed on the 'Gandang Tigo' or triple drum, an almost 200-year-old local musical instrument of Indonesia.

The performance was a rare occurrence during the 'Tabek Panjang Arts Festival 2023,' organized by the local government in the Baso-Agam Market area of West Sumatra Province on 20th September.

Gandang Tigo is a musical ensemble that comprises of three gong family instruments, each measuring approximately 25-30cm in diameter, and producing a unique tone that is exclusively reserved for sacred events.

Ardilus Malin Batuah (63), Irzal Sinaro nan Elok (58) and Efrizal Sutan Marajo (67) are fourth-generation Gandang Tigo performers whose skills have been inherited from their grandmother and uncle. Collectively, they have been playing Gandang Tigo for about 45 years since completing primary school.

This music is typically played during the 'Pesta Anak Gembala' ceremony of the rice harvest. After returning from the rice fields, a celebration is held in the countryside which employs the use of the drum instrument. Malin Batuah states that it is also played during tribal chief appointments and other events.

The local government is currently proposing to deem Gandang Tigo as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Indonesia.

The festival showcases various cultural customs and unique art forms, making it a popular spectacle for both local and foreign tourists.

French tourist, Lucie Fairoz, from the Boy Franky Family, expressed her contentment in spending her holiday with her family whilst exploring unique local art.