PACITAN, RAKYAT NEWS – An Austrian composer, Elizabeth Schimana, has collaborated with Yogyakarta-based art curator Ignatia Nilu to create a unique music performance titled “Gema Tabuhan.” This innovative project was staged in the prehistoric Goa Tabuhan cave, located in the Punung District of Pacitan, East Java, on Sunday, December 8, 2024.

The event was a remarkable experiment, blending modern music with the ancient acoustics of the cave, which is renowned for producing sounds resembling traditional gamelan instruments.

The Goa Tabuhan cave, which is millions of years old, features stalactites and stalagmites that resonate and generate distinctive musical tones. This natural acoustic phenomenon has earned the cave the nickname “Goa Tabuhan” or “Drumming Cave,” due to the sounds that echo through its chambers. The cave’s unique qualities make it stand out from other caves, and it is believed to have once served as a prehistoric music studio.

According to Ignatia Nilu, the cave’s acoustic features create an atmosphere that seems to transport visitors back to prehistoric times. “The acoustics of Goa Tabuhan create sounds that feel like a journey back to the stone age,” Nilu explained at a press conference prior to the performance. The performance was an interdisciplinary exploration, incorporating acoustic studies, geological analysis, and the region’s cultural history.

Schimana, known for her cross-cultural artistic endeavors, described the event as a tribute to cultural heritage. She explained that Goa Tabuhan’s natural acoustics may have been used by early human civilizations in rituals, making the cave an important site for both archaeology and music. “Goa Tabuhan is a unique site that may have been a ‘music studio’ in the Stone Age. Through Gema Tabuhan, I want to emphasize the importance of preserving this site so that it is not damaged over time,” she said.

The performance combined natural acoustic elements of the cave with artistic lighting, creating a captivating audiovisual experience. The show aimed to illustrate how modern art can harmonize with the preservation of cultural heritage. The organizers took great care to ensure that the event did not negatively impact the cave’s physical condition. The lighting and sound systems were carefully set up, and the number of attendees was limited to maintain the cave’s ecosystem.

Local authorities have expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the cave as a valuable cultural and tourist asset. Juwito, Head of the Pacitan Tourism Office, praised the project for raising awareness about the importance of protecting the region’s cultural heritage. “Goa Tabuhan is one of Pacitan’s priceless cultural assets. We hope that events like this will help the public understand the importance of preserving this heritage,” Juwito remarked.

Dedi Kurniawan, a local historian, emphasized the historical significance of Goa Tabuhan. He noted that archaeological findings around the area suggest that ancient civilizations may have used the cave’s sounds in their rituals. “This cave is not just a tourist attraction, but also has significant historical value. Archaeological discoveries in the area suggest that ancient societies may have incorporated the cave’s sounds into their cultural practices,” Kurniawan explained.

Through the Gema Tabuhan performance, Schimana and her team proved that contemporary art and cultural preservation can coexist. The project not only showcased the acoustic beauty of the cave but also underscored the need for responsible management of historical sites. With increasing awareness and support, Goa Tabuhan has the potential to become a global cultural heritage site in the future.(Uki Ruknuddin)