Harmony of Love from Gantar: The Story of Al Zaytun Community Service Center (PKBM) Mothers Weaving Togetherness Through Angklung
*By: Sri Wahyuni, S.Pd. (Al Zaytun PKBM Tutor)*
INDRAMAYU-JAYANEWS.COM – Learning and creating truly know no age limit. As dusk begins to approach, the spirit to continue growing can be truly dazzling. It’s not about how quickly we master something, but rather about the sincerity to listen to one another, lower our egos, and walk side by side to create beautiful harmony.
This essence of life is clearly reflected in a house in the Gantar area of Indramayu.
When Sweat Is Defeated by Enthusiasm
That afternoon, Friday, June 5, 2026, the Gantar sun was blazing hot. However, the heat was completely defeated by the enthusiastic steps of the women learners, alumni, and tutors of *PKBM Al Zaytun*. Members of the Caring Wives Association (PIP), representatives from various blocks flocked to Mrs. Hasnawati’s residence.
That day was their third meeting. They had one agenda: angklung practice.
At precisely 2:15 PM WIB, Sri Wahyuni, Chair of PIP and Tutor of the Al Zaytun Community Learning Center (PKBM), opened the event with a touching prologue.
“Thank you very much, ladies. In this hot weather, and at such an advanced age, your enthusiasm for coming together and practicing angklung is truly extraordinary,” she said sincerely.
Sri Wahyuni fueled their enthusiasm with a goal: the team must put on a stunning performance in mid-July. Beyond just playing angklung, they were planning a magnificent performance combining an energetic choir and dynamic Poco-Poco dance movements. Smiles immediately spread across the participants’ faces.
Laughter Between Misplaced Notes
Practice began under the guidance of a trio of talented tutors: Paini, Hasnawati, and Winarsih. The room began to echo with the practice of basic notes.
*“Do.. re.. mi.. fa.. sol.. la.. si.. do…”*
It turned out that connecting the bamboo sticks to each other wasn’t as easy as turning the palm of your hand. The angklung is a collaborative instrument. If one person is late in shaking their angklung, the melody will be interrupted. Conversely, if they are too early, the harmony will be disrupted.
Laughter erupted as the dynamic of the practice began. Some had not yet played a note but were already shaking their angklungs enthusiastically. Others, when their turn came, were stunned into silence. The conductor even made a mistake with his hand signals.
Interestingly, no one got angry or blamed each other. Instead, the mistakes turned into refreshing jokes that lightened the atmosphere. The exhausting practice turned into a space filled with laughter. Gradually, verse after verse was repeated patiently. Finally, when full concentration was established, the full melody of the Maluku song “Poco-Poco” sounded beautiful and harmonious. *”Hooray!”* The entire room cheered. Relief, joy, and pride all mixed together.
Angklung Philosophy: Every Note is Precious
For the Al Zaytun Community Service Center (PKBM) family, this practice is not just preparation for a performance, but a process of honing the soul. Several philosophical lessons emerged from this simple practice space:
*The Power of Togetherness:* The angklung teaches that group egos must be suppressed for the sake of harmony. The presence of each individual is essential.
*Training Patience and the Brain:* Playing the angklung trains motor skills, focus, and balance between the right and left brain. The difficulties faced are a sign that they are continuing to grow.
*Preserving Ancestral Heritage:* Holding the angklung means embracing national identity, becoming guardians of the archipelago’s cultural heritage.
Dreams That Grow Together
After the exhaustion of focusing on the notes, practice takes a short break. They sing together without the angklung as a means of refreshment. During the break, lively conversations flow about how to improve their playing. Fluent.
“Practice twice a week, Ma’am!” suggested one of the students.
“After group exercise, let’s go straight to practice, Ma’am,” chimed in another.
Seeing the soaring enthusiasm, Sri Wahyuni’s heart swelled with emotion. In the corner of the room, the faces of loyal supporters who were always there to provide positive energy, such as Ibu Yanti (Ustadz Ibrahim’s wife) and Ibu Sofiah (Ustadz Basuki’s wife).
*”Thank you, friends, for your encouragement in realizing this shared dream…”* Sri Wahyuni whispered to herself, gazing at the beaming faces before her.
At 4:30 PM WIB, after a group photo session to capture the beautiful moment of togetherness, the afternoon concluded with a prayer of praise.
The mothers of PKBM Al Zaytun walked home into the Gantar afternoon. Their feet may have felt tired, but their hearts were filled with joy. That day, they not only returned home with musical progress, but also with tangible proof: that learning with joy will always give birth to harmony that reconciles the soul.**
SW/AA
—–++
