Kuala lumpur: The National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) in Kelantan is intensifying efforts to nurture a new generation of Rebana Mangkuk practitioners through workshops, performance opportunities, and the Cultural Sector Support Grant (GSSK) by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). These initiatives aim to preserve the traditional Malay drum art form from disappearing.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kelantan JKKN director Rohaniza Abdullah highlighted that the traditional art, unique to the state, is now actively practiced by only one association in Felda Kemahang 3, Tanah Merah, making preservation efforts increasingly urgent. She emphasized that JKKN supports practitioners through GSSK funding, training programs, and public performances to foster a greater appreciation of Rebana Mangkuk, particularly among the younger generation.
"Rebana Mangkuk is a heritage unique to Kelantan that deserves to be preserved so future generations can continue to recognize and appreciate it," Rohaniza stated during the Kelantan Rebana Mangkuk Making and Performance Workshop 2026 in Kubang Kerian. She added that JKKN also sees potential for Rebana Mangkuk to be developed into a tourism and creative economy product, especially through innovations using more readily available materials.
This year's GSSK program also included children with special needs, reflecting the potential of Rebana Mangkuk as a platform for therapy, skills development, and talent nurturing. Meanwhile, Rebana Mangkuk practitioner Mohd Hasbullah Aling mentioned that the two-day workshop aimed to train more practitioners and introduce the heritage to a wider audience. Currently, the tradition is sustained only in Felda Kemahang 3, making the development of new practitioners crucial for its survival.
Mohd Hasbullah shared that participants were introduced to every stage of producing Rebana Mangkuk, from crafting the instrument to mastering its playing techniques and exploring creative production methods. He noted that making a Rebana Mangkuk is labor-intensive, requiring between two and four people and taking three to four days to complete using traditional methods. The biggest challenge lies in sourcing the ceramic bowls used as the instrument's main component, prompting practitioners to explore alternative materials.
A Rebana Mangkuk sells for about RM170 each, with most customers purchasing them in sets of six. Besides performances, Rebana Mangkuk is increasingly sought after for exhibitions, including a recent order of 25 drums from an organization in Melaka, which took more than a month to complete due to the intricate production process. The Kelantan Rebana Mangkuk Making and Performance Workshop 2026 was held from July 17 to 18 at Min House Camp, Kubang Kerian, organized by Persatuan Wayang Kulit Sri Cindayu in collaboration with MOTAC through GSSK 2026, involving 45 participants and conducted by three instructors.