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Washington–There’s a new world record, and the Indonesian embassy made it happen by inviting the public to its annual festival, held July 9 in the nation’s capital. The largest angklung ensemble, composed of a crowd of 5,180, has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. The angklung is a bamboo musical instrument which originated in Indonesia .

            Indonesian Ambassador Dino Djalal, elated at the huge turn-out, was seen giving the high-five sign to guests onstage. He underscored the celebration of “solidarity, harmony and peace in our world.” The theme of the festival, held from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., was “Celebrating Multiculturalism.”

Days before the event, he said there were only 1,600 participants registered on the embassy website. A good start, he noted, but “way below the target of a world record of 3,000-5,000 participants for our colossal attempt to set a Guinness world record.” Music, the universal language, the all-too human desire to be a part of a world record, and perhaps, a yearning for world peace amid the current wars, drew people to the event.

            Djalal told the Washington Post he wanted to have an event that would be remembered, and came up with the unique idea. There was no record broken. This was a new entry in the Guinness record. The record was set at the Washington Monument grounds at about 6 p.m. Participants, led by Indonesian angklung maestro Daeng Udjo, performed “We Are the World.”

People started coming at 4 p.m. A practice session took place at 4:30 p.m., with the Indonesian maestro onstage giving simple instructions. Some had attended advance practice sessions at the Indonesian embassy. Neophytes just played one note.

Achieving Harmony

It takes several people to produce a melody with the angklung, symbolic of the need for working together to achieve harmony. The wikipedia described the angklung as made of two carved bamboo tubes that are attached to a bamboo frame. The tubes are tuned to octaves. A player shakes the instrument rapidly from side to side, while holding the base of the frame.

Among the record-setting crowd were Asian ambassadors, Acting Asia Society (Washington) Director Mitzi Pickard and Asian Women’s Circle member Carmen Lagdameo Stuhl. 

Bing Cardenas Branigin, community and media outreach officer of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), said the experience was “awesome!”

Indonesian Ambassador Djalal who knew her as a member of Asia Society, invited her to stay onstage. Ms. Branigin noted: “From that vantage point, I saw a sea of faces, not just Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans but all Americans–and they represented different faiths, like other Muslims, not just Indonesians. We were all playing in harmony, using a strange instrument–you get caught up in the moment and think about possibilities, like world peace.”

“It was an honor, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget,” Ador Carreon, Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC) Chair, said in an interview the day after. He came with his wife Nanette, also a community leader.

Heading out, participants proudly clutched the angklung, which they get to keep, and the Certificate of Participation. The certification read: “The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia has the honor to present this Certificate of Participation to (print name), with our deep appreciation for joining our colossal multi-national effort to set a World Record for the largest angklung ensemble.”

The festival showcased various Indonesian music, dance and martial arts. Air Supply, the popular 80s band, Grammy nominee Raheem Davaughn, and other performers entertained the crowd.