Jakarta, 6 December 2025-Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center (PYC) held PYC kolintang Competition fighting for Lis Purnomo Yusgiantoro Trophy, at The Ballroom at Djakarta Theater.
The theme of the competition “A Chorus of Kolintang Ensemble for the World”, It was followed by five finalists competing in classical music performed in the Kolintang format. The five finalists were Sanggar Ma’zani Sombor, Squad Kolintang Spensabaya, BeeLintang, The Fore, and HapsEnt.
“We are grateful in holding the first Kolintang competition, which specifically features classical music competitions in Indonesia. This was our appreciation for kolintang as a traditional musical instrument from Minahasa North Sulawesi” Lis Purnomo Yusgiantoro.
Lis Purnomo is a known National Kolintang Figure, for her role in making Kolintang being acknowledged by the UNESCO, a united nation organisation as a Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. She also actively participated in preserving and developing the kolintang trough concert, in national and international level.
According to Lis, as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Kolintang has very high historical and musical value. However, she added that there has never been a competition that formally places Kolintang on the classical music stage of the 1600–1900 era.
“The PYC Kolintang Competition presents a new breakthrough by providing a platform for Kolintang players to showcase their ability to interpret classical music by Peter I. Tchaikovsky—Piano Concerto No. 1—as well as national songs in an ensemble format,” she explained.
It was stated that, in an effort to maintain the quality and credibility of the judging process, PYC has invited three prominent Indonesian music figures to serve as judges. They are Ananda Sukarlan, an internationally acclaimed pianist and composer; Simon Aloysius Mantiri, who currently serves as President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero); and Purwacaraka, a senior Indonesian musician, composer, and music educator.
The presence of judges from diverse disciplines makes this competition not only prestigious but also opens a space for musical dialogue between tradition and modernity. Through this distinguished competition, PYC seeks to address the challenges of regeneration and appreciation for traditional music amid the rapid currents of modernization.
“We present this competition to Kolintang groups throughout Indonesia, with the hope of encouraging the growth of new Kolintang musicians, opening spaces for public appreciation, safeguarding the sustainability of Kolintang as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and bringing Kolintang to the international music stage,” said Lis.
Meanwhile, the PYC Chairperson, Filda Citra Yusgiantoro, stated that the competition is conducted in two stages. The first stage is Video Selection, which uses an elimination system to select five finalists. The second stage is the Final, in which the five finalists will compete to demonstrate their abilities and skills to become the best group.
On that occasion, Filda specifically invited all elements of society, artists, cultural observers, and the younger generation to support efforts to preserve Kolintang through this competition, which offers a prize of IDR100 million for the winner.
“We are proud to be able to present classical music in a Kolintang format. This event is expected to become a new milestone in the journey of Indonesian traditional music, both at the national and international levels,” said Filda C. Yusgiantoro.
