Ka Ga Nga Bengkulu Ethnic Music Group Heading to the International Stage at Lake Toba Traditional Music Festival 6.0

BENGKULU — Bengkulu’s traditional artists have achieved another major milestone. The region’s pride ethnic music group, Ka Ga Nga, was officially sent off to perform at the prestigious national and international event, the Lake Toba Traditional Music Festival (LTTMF) 6.0. This grand event is scheduled to take place on September 5–6, 2026, at The Caldera Nomadic Escape and Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra.

Prior to their departure, the Head of the Bengkulu Cultural Heritage Preservation Center (BPK), Iskandar Mulia Siregar, attended in person to review final preparations and extend moral support to the members of Ka Ga Nga. His presence served as a major boost of morale for the traditional musicians as they prepare to take this world-class festival stage by storm.

Bringing "Pulse of Sound" to the World Stage

LTTMF 6.0 carries the main theme “Pulse of Sound” (Nadi Bunyi). The theme serves as a reminder of the musical history across the Lake Toba region, which originates directly from nature—such as wood and trees crafted according to their respective tribal territories. Environmental conservation and reforestation stand as core messages of the event, emphasizing that the survival of traditional instruments depends heavily on preserving natural ecosystems.

As one of the featured performers representing Bengkulu Province, Ka Ga Nga will share the stage with prominent ethnic music groups from across Indonesia, including North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, Lampung, Palembang, Aceh, Bangka Belitung, and the Riau Islands. Furthermore, the festival features international performances from various countries, including A-Jak Drum Troupe (Korea), Sun Der (Thailand), and Nadi Singapura (Singapore).

The climax of the event, the LTTMF 6.0 Big Festival in Humbang Hasundutan, marks a major milestone as it enters its first year operating under an even-numbered scheme. The showcase introduces the Lake Toba Music Mart—a strategic platform for world music musicians to present their work directly to international producers, promoters, and festival delegates.

Distinguished global delegates in attendance include Prof. Andrew Timar (Canada), Bagas Indyatmono (Indonesia), Ryuji Noda (Japan), Anup Kutty (India), Agus Setiawan Basuni (Indonesia), Riduan Zailani (Nadi Singapura), and Satria Ramadhan (Indonesia). The presence of these international curators and booking agents opens golden opportunities for Indonesian ethnic music to enter the global market.

Hexa-Helix Collaboration and Community Synergy

Ka Ga Nga’s journey to LTTMF 6.0 is made possible through strong synergy and full support from various partners. Strategic supporters contributing to Ka Ga Nga’s performance include:

• Mode by Cheka

• Kasiko

• Swarna Karya

• RGS Bengkulu

• Stubuh Percussion

• Sebumi

• Svara Bumei Betuah

• Upheksa Uranika

• Rentak Gading

• Likur Laboratory

• BLUD SMKN 7 Bengkulu

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the Ministry of Culture, Rumah Karya Indonesia, and the organizing committee of the LTTMF Big Festival for providing the space and facilitation for regional traditional artists.

Through their participation, Ka Ga Nga does not merely carry the name of Bengkulu; they prove that local cultural roots possess a powerful voice on the global stage keeping the pulse of traditional sound beating across generations.