Royal reward for researcher

The title of Queen has been bestowed upon a Monash University researcher for her work in reconstructing the origins of the Indonesian province of Lampung’s traditional musical instruments.

Professor Margaret Kartomi from Monash University’s School of Music – Conservatorium, was invited by the Governor of Lampung, Drs Sjachroeddin ZP, to take the formal title of ‘Ratu Berlian Sangun Anggun’ which translates to ‘Beautiful Queen Jewel’. The title is normally reserved for Lampung clan members and formerly for royalty.

The region of Lampung is found within Indonesia's largest island, Sumatra.

Professor Kartomi began researching Lampung traditional music in 1980. One of her major achievements has been the discovery of the gamolan which was historically used by people in northern and north-western Lampung but was almost lost in contemporary times.

The gamolan is an eight-keyed bamboo instrument, beaten by two musicians, each with a pair of wooden hammers.

The popularity of the Gamolan has soared following Professor Kartomi's discovery, with thousands of Lampung residents now playing the instrument. Last October it was patented as an instrument that symbolises the identity and unity of the people of Lampung province.

Professor Kartomi described the recognition as an “unbelievable honour”, and said the presentation of the title was a wonderful experience.

“I wore full ceremonial dress in a formal ceremony and was received as an honorary member of the Lampung clan by the Governor and the Traditional Lampung Council of Elders (MPAL),” Professor Kartomi said.

As part of the ceremony, hundreds of young musicians took turns to play the gamolan over a period of 25 hours, thereby creating a formally recognised world record for the longest non-stop gamolan performance. The Governor was then awarded a World Record certificate on behalf of the people of Lampung by the Director of Indonesia's World Records Museum.

In the final hour of the performance, Professor Kartomi was awarded her title while dressed in traditional royal costume of the Pepadun ethnic group of Lampung.

“The Governor said he hopes awarding this title to me will help develop an appreciation of Lampung culture among all the people of Lampung and encourage his efforts to restore it to its proper place in society,” Professor Kartomi said.