Saluang

Saluang performance

The saluang is a traditional musical instrument of the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is similar to the flute in general and made of bamboo. It is related to the suling of other parts of Indonesia.

Saluang is made from thin bamboo or talang (Schizostachyum brachycladum Kurz)[1]. The dimension of saluang is 3-4cm in diameter, 40-60cm in lenght with 4 holes. Saluang is very simple music instrument because it is made by making 4 holes with diameter 0.5 cm each. Commonly Minangkabau people believe that best material for making saluang is originated from talang used as clothes drying rack or found drift in the river [2].

Saluang player have developed special breathtaking technique in the way to make them play saluang continuously without stopping from begin to end of song. The technique is called as manyisiahkan angok (menyisihkan nafas) or taking a breath while blowing saluang technique.

One of best saluang player is Idris Sutan Sati with singer Syamsimar.

Every nagari (distric) in Minangkabau land have their own style in playing saluang. Example of style are Singgalang, Pariaman, Koto Tuo, Suayan, Cupak, Salayo. Style name is quoted from nagari where that style come from. A good saluang player can play any styles well, even audience can request to them to play certain style. Singgalang style is quite difficult for the beginner, and often presented at beginning of show.

In the past, people in Minangkabau believe that saluang player at least have inner power called as pitunang ( a kind of mantra) to make audience hypnotized by their performance. Pitunang Nabi Daud is one of example the mantra. The mantra verse is Aku malapehkan pitunang Nabi Daud, buruang tabang tatagun-tagun, aia mailia tahanti-hanti, takajuik bidodari di dalam sarugo mandanga saluang ambo, kununlah anak sidang manusia.....

Reference :
1. http://www.plantamor.com/spcdtail.php?recid=1624
2. interview with A.Dt Batuah, 1993