Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — In January 2024, Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology hosted a public lecture titled “Music and Brain: How Does Music Influence the Brain and Health?” The event aimed to explore the scientific connection between keroncong music and brain function, highlighting how melodies can influence mental well-being.
Listening to music has long been recognized as an effective way to reduce stress and boost energy levels. While classical Western compositions from Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach have been widely used in music therapy, Indonesia offers its own musical gem with similar benefits: keroncong.
Keroncong More Than Just Old-Fashioned Tunes
Keroncong, a traditional Indonesian music genre often associated with nostalgia and elderly audiences, has surprising therapeutic qualities. A 2020 study revealed that keroncong music can alleviate conditions such as chronic pain, high blood pressure, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and even help prevent baby blues syndrome.
Beyond physical health, keroncong also contributes to mental well-being. A 2021 study demonstrated that engaging in keroncong, either as a performer or a listener, induces a state of semeleh—a Javanese term describing a profound sense of calm, acceptance, and emotional surrender.
The Art of Ngroncongi and the Journey to Semeleh
Achieving the therapeutic effect of keroncong requires more than just playing the music; it demands a distinct musical identity known as ngroncongi. This term refers to the optimal expression of keroncong, achieved through a harmonious blend of rhythm, melody, and collective energy.
Musicians often experience semeleh during performances when they close their eyes and become immersed in the music’s soothing rhythm. This act of closing one’s eyes is more than an artistic gesture—it signals a shift in brainwave activity. Scientifically, this shift occurs when the brain moves from the active beta state to the more relaxed alpha and theta states, similar to what happens during meditation or hypnosis.
One keroncong musician explained, “When you’ve had a long, exhausting day, playing keroncong in the evening brings peace. We call it semeleh—feeling calm, accepting, and letting go of all the tension.”
Keroncong’s Evolution Across Indonesia
While many outside Indonesia may only recognize keroncong through the internationally popular song “Bengawan Solo,” the genre has evolved significantly over time. Originating from Portuguese influences in the 16th century, keroncong developed regional variations across the archipelago.
For example, keroncong Tugu was nurtured by Portuguese-descended communities in Jakarta, while keroncong Stambul gained prominence in Surabaya. Other regional styles, like keroncong Tingkilan in Kalimantan and Losquin Makassar in Sulawesi, showcase the genre’s adaptability to diverse cultural contexts.
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Young Indonesians Reviving Keroncong
Despite its reputation as an “old folks’ genre,” keroncong is experiencing a revival among younger generations. Contemporary musicians have introduced keroncong beat and keroncong pop, blending traditional rhythms with modern elements. Live keroncong performances, often held informally in neighborhoods or as part of cultural events, attract diverse audiences seeking both entertainment and relaxation.
This renewed interest underscores the music’s timeless appeal and its potential role in mental health practices. As researchers continue to study the cognitive and emotional impacts of music, keroncong stands as a testament to the universal power of melodies in promoting psychological well-being.
(Becky)
