Indonesian Musical Group

I am appealing to anyone to help a small musical group from Surakarta, Indonesia unable to buy rice for their families. Condhong Rumaos Gamelan Ensemble is a traditional native musical group of thirteen musicians who rely on performances which have been prohibited due to COVID. For Condhong Rumaos, music is their livelihood. Frequent requests for permission to perform has not been granted by the local authorities. Some of them are now eating only cassava roots instead of rice and are desperate for help for themselves and their families.

I have studied and played with these musicians and am heartbroken they can no longer work. Their leader, Untung Wiarso Pangrawit is my gamelan teacher when I travel to Indonesia to study music and through weekly Skype lessons. I have known him for many years and he cares deeply for the well being of his band members. He is working tirelessly to find ways to help them earn a salary but it is impossible for now.

I realize it will take a large network to support them temporarily but please know your money goes very far in Indonesia and even small amounts can make a huge difference. Five dollars can feed a family for a day. All money will go directly to the individual members, shared equally. Please consider helping these humble musicians feed their families until they can again support themselves. It is beyond my ability to support them by myself but the help I have given has been hugely appreciated.