Arif Riyadi's Rebana Sold Out During Ramadan

Kapanlagi.com - Arif Riyadi, a 35-year-old man, has been fond of the rebana music since he was a child. The sound of the rebana has become a familiar cultural music to him, as it is played daily during the reading of salawat nabi (prayers for the prophet) while circling from house to house.

Starting from his liking for the accompanying music during shalawat, he then learned to 'tinker' or service the rebana. His ability developed through self-taught methods until he initiated the production of rebana.

Approximately 9 years ago, Arif started producing various types of rebana, in addition to providing services and tuning the notes. His name is well-known as a maker of various rebana, in addition to his special ability to tune the notes.

"The most orders come from Malang Regency and Malang City, there are also some from Kediri, Blitar and surrounding areas," said Arif Riyadi at his home on Kyai Parseh Jaya Bumiayu Street, Malang City, on Tuesday (5/4).

1. Serving Various Rebana

Arif Riyadi Rebana Business © KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Arif serves various needs for wooden rebana, both for the Banjari and Habib Syech (Habsy) streams. Meanwhile, in the market, there are many types of rebana made of plastic.

The price range for standard size (30 cm) is between IDR 200,000 to IDR 350,000. Buyers usually adjust their needs and financial availability.

"For example, one set for the Pekalongan version consists of 5 pieces, 4 rebana and a bass. For the Habsy version, it consists of nine pieces," he explained.

2. Raw Materials

Arif Riyadi Rebana Business © KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Rebana is made from jackfruit, mauni, and mango wood, as well as female goat skin. Arif also admits to processing goat skin himself for certain rebana orders.

"The goat skin is female, usually the male is for small beduk. Because the sound and texture are different," he explained.

"If it's a special order, the skin is processed by ourselves, but if we want it quickly, we buy it in the market," he added.

3. From Various Regions

Arif Riyadi Rebana Business © KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Wood materials are obtained from Blitar, Jepara, and Demak, while goat skin is obtained from Cirebon, Blitar, and Ponorogo. The wood goes through a drying and painting process, while the goat skin only requires soaking and drying.

The production process takes about two weeks, with the longest being the drying of the materials. The drying process is done manually with sunlight.

4. Leftover Skin Has Benefits

Arif Riyadi's Rebana Business © KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Leftover goat skin is usually used by other craftsmen to make jimbe or mini kendang souvenirs. If it can't be used anymore because of its small size, it is used for rambak crackers.

"The skin is soaked, then installed, and pulled when dried. The problem is in terms of production during the weather," he emphasized.

5. Stocks Run Out during Ramadan

Arif Riyadi's Rebana Business © KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Arif Riyadi admitted that he produces between 30 to 50 rebana drums per month or according to orders. The production process is done a month in advance, such as producing for Ramadan to be sold during Shawwal or afterwards.

The actual sales cycle is busiest during Maulid, but this year during Ramadan, the stock has sold out beyond expectations. Many have already been sold before Ramadan even started.

"This year's Ramadan has increased compared to previous years. I have been in this business for 9 years, and for 8 years, it was usually quiet during Ramadan. Because activities are low, usually only servicing is in high demand. But this year, there are many orders and also many services," he explained.

6. Adding Employees

Arif Riyadi's Rebana Business © KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Arif also admitted that he had to add an employee, from the previous three to four people. They have to complete production, while Arif has to work on servicing, because not all employees can tune the rebana drums.

Meanwhile, the largest buyers are schools and study groups in villages. They usually order one set to use.

(kpl/dar/dyn)