Kulkul: Not Just a Balinese Percussion

Kulkul is a traditional communication instrument of Balinese people which is made of wood or bamboo. A Balinese organisation normally will have at least a kulkul. Kulkul could also be found in other parts of Indonesia, and is commonly called as kentongan.

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It can be said that kulkul is also a traditional communication instrument in Indonesia.
In order to make a kulkul, Hindu people in Bali will refer to the Balinese calendar system in order to find a good day to make one. Technically, kulkul is made from a large bamboo which was cut at both ends of its books, and at one end it will be given an extra length in order to create its handle. No hole is allowed at both ends of as it will prevent vibrations. A hole needs to be perforated on one side of the bamboo along its length.
Kulkul’s functions closely associated with events in Banjar (Balinese traditional community). Here are some of functions of Kulkul:
1. Signs Regular Meeting
Balinese people often do a routine meeting once a month on each line. Prior to the meeting, Kulkul is beaten with a wooden paddle. Kulkul’s sound will be heard all over the village. The sound means an urgent call to citizens to gather in the places that have been mutually agreed.

2. Signs of Labour conscription
In addition to mark the meeting, the kulkul’s sound also connote to the deployment of the workforce. Deployment of the workforce is already planned, and some will be sharp in nature. Forms of exertion such work is planned to clean up the village of mutual cooperation, to prepare the ceremony at the temple for the Balinese people, and good clean items. Citizen mobilization begins with Kulkul sound heard. Immediately, when people come together, they are jointly committed to clean activity. While the example of the nature of work exertion suddenly, generally, such as tackling the event of a sudden struck row. The incident could be a fire, flood, people go berserk, and thieves. If the kulkul sound is fast and long, it means that all banjar member should standby and alert for upcoming threat.


There are four types of kulkul known by Balinese people which are Kulkul Dewa (Gods), Kulkul Bhuta, Human Kulkul, and Kulkul Ornament.

1. Kulkul Gods
Kulkul god is used during the ceremony of Dewa Yadnya. The kulkul is beaten as a sign to call the Gods. The rhythm is extremely slow with two tones of 'tung .... tit .... tung .... tit .... tung .... tit 'and so on.
2. Kulkul Bhuta
Kulkul Bhuta is used during the ceremony of Butha Yadnya. Bhuta. Kulkul Bhuta is beaten in order to call the Bhuta Kala to neutralize the natural state of the universe, so the world will be safe and secure.
3. Kulkul Manusa
Kulkul Manusa is used for human activities, both routine and sudden. Kulkul Manusa divided into three types, namely Kulkul Tempekan, Kulkul Sekeha-sekeha, and Kulkul Siskamling. The rhythm of kulkul Manusa for routine activities are slow and short, whereas in sudden activity sounded fast and long.
4. Kulkul Ornament
Named kulkul ornament because the kulkul is added with ornaments to add to its beauty. Usually kulkul is often used as a gift or souvenir. The tourists who come to the island of Bali consider kulkul as an antique.

Thus, a kulkul can be said is not only a traditional tool, but a medium of communication that bridges traditional Balinese community communication, both between humans and gods, humans with the natural rulers, as well as humans with each other