The Pacitan Ronthek Festival

The word rontek originates from “ronda” and “thethek,” referring to a traditional bamboo instrument with holes that is played by striking. Initially, the rontek was used during the month of Ramadan to wake up the community for sahur, often accompanied by traditional instruments like the gong, saron, and kenong.

Today, rontek has evolved into an annual arts festival, no longer just a sahur wake-up tool but a vibrant cultural celebration in Pacitan. The first Rontek Arts Festival took place on August 18-19, 2011, originally as a competition, but it has since grown into a full-fledged festival.

Held every year, this event showcases the bamboo instrument alongside other traditional music like gong and gamelan, accompanying songs and dances. The festival aims to preserve the Rontek Gugah Sahur tradition and boost the local economy, particularly for the arts and small businesses in Pacitan.