Angklung, a traditional Sundanese bamboo instrument from Indonesia, produces sound when shaken, historically using the pentatonic scale (da mi na ti la).
Originating in the Sunda Kingdom (circa. 11th century), it was used in agricultural rituals for Dewi Sri and Hindu ceremonies. In 1938, Daeng Soetigna known as Bapak Angklung, developed the diatonic angklung, enabling it to play modern and Western music. His innovations, inspired by traditional players and craftsmen, led to the Angklung Padaeng, used in schools and performances like the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference.
Daeng’s legacy continued through Saung Angklung Udjo, founded by his student Udjo Ngalagena in 1967. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010, angklung remains a symbol of Indonesian identity, evolving with modern forms like angklung piano and robotik, while facing challenges to preserve its cultural roots.