Admits to Having Gone Through a Phase of Admiring Western Culture, Dul Jaelani Now 'Awakens' After Getting to Know Gamelan and Keroncong

Kapanlagi.com - Young musician Dul Jaelani openly admits that he has gone through a phase where he admired Western culture more. However, over time, a new awareness emerged after he began to recognize the richness of traditional Indonesian music.

As a musician who grew up with rock music, Dul confessed that the genre, which originated from the West, had once been his main reference.

"Personally, I like rock and roll. Rock and roll is a Western culture, right?" said the youngest son of Ahmad Dhani and Maia Estianty when met at the Joang Building, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Sunday (13/7/2025).

1. Gamelan & Keroncong Music Opened His Eyes

Instagram.com/duljaelani

However, his journey as an artist brought him to a turning point. His interactions with various types of archipelago music such as gamelan and keroncong opened his eyes.

"But it turns out that over time I got to know a lot about gamelan and keroncong music," he continued.

2. Bringing Traditional Music Brings Amazement

Instagram.com/duljaelani

He then realized an irony. According to him, playing rock music in his home country might be considered ordinary, but bringing Indonesian traditional music to the world stage would actually bring amazement.

"If we play rock music in the West, it seems like they take it for granted because it's their music. But if we play gamelan music abroad, they will definitely salute Indonesia," he explained.

3. Incorporating Gambus Elements into His Work

Instagram.com/duljaelani

This awareness has encouraged him to start exploring. Now, the 24-year-old musician has even begun to incorporate elements of gambus music into his works.

"Just gambus. I often include gambus elements in my music," he concluded, showing his seriousness in preserving the nation's culture through music.

(kpl/aal/dyn)