Balkondes Ngadiraharjo, Borobudur, Magelang (November 16, 2025) – The modern gamelan orchestra from Loyola High School in Semarang, known as Gamelan Soepra (Gamsoep), recently gained valuable experience by delivering a stunning performance as the closing act of the “ANGKRINGAN BOROBUDUR; Nglaras Raga, Nglaras Rasa, Nglaras Wirama,” or simply making body and mind in harmony through music, an event by LONGRUNRANGERS, a running community founded in 2018. The main stage, located at the Community Hall (Balkondes) of Ngadiraharjo, witnessed the fusion of sports, travel, and cultural arts expression in an area surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Exploring the Temple and Returning to Semarang
The next day, the Gamsoep members went on a cultural tour. After checking out of Balkondes at 9:00 A.M., we immediately departed for the Borobudur Temple complex.

Accompanied by a tour guide, we visited the museum before climbing to the temple’s summit. We learned about the history, interesting facts, and life lessons, such as the law of Karma and the construction mechanism of Borobudur Temple, and debunked myths about Borobudur Temple. We gained many valuable lessons during this session. Only then did we climb to the top of Borobudur

Temple, understanding its meaning and value firsthand, and participating in preserving and respecting the existing customs. The visit to this world heritage site became a cool-down and reflection session on the cultural heritage they had represented on stage. Not only that, but this trip also fostered and developed in us, as the young generation of Indonesia, a love for the homeland and pride in Indonesia’s cultural diversity.

At exactly 12:00 P.M., the Gamsoep group departed for Semarang. The atmosphere inside the bus throughout the trip home was filled with laughter and close camaraderie. All team members agreed that this performance and visit to Borobudur Temple was a very enjoyable experience.

Reflections and Hopes
The performance of Gamelan Soepra, which blends gamelan with hit songs across genres (from Anoman Obong to Laskar Pelangi), has proven that traditional art is not rigid and timeless. As young people with an interest in music, we, the members of Gamelan Soepra, are very proud and happy to perform as intermediaries, bringing gamelan into the realm of modern and popular music. We are also grateful for the audience’s positive response, which included dancing and singing along with Soepra’s performance.

Moving forward, Gamelan Soepra strives to be the premier platform for learning and appreciating gamelan music. Every rehearsal and performance is dedicated to building collaboration and community between players and audiences. We also seek to partner with various groups and events, spreading the values of togetherness, musical collaboration, and cultural exchange to broader audiences.

Contributor: Felicia Edita Arga & Jason Alexander Cahyadi Santoso – Students of Loyola College Senior High School