Hey there! If you’re a music lover or someone fascinated by the rich tapestry of Indonesia’s cultural history, let me introduce you to a gem that’s recently been revitalized—Lokananta. This historic recording studio is not just any studio; it’s the very first in Indonesia, founded on October 29, 1956, by Raden Maladi, the then Head of Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI).
A Brief History of Lokananta
Lokananta, located at Jl Ahmad Yani No. 379A, Kerten, Kecamatan Laweyan, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah, is a place where history and music intertwine. Initially, it was used to record broadcast material in the form of vinyl records for 26 RRI stations across Indonesia. By 1958, Lokananta began producing records featuring regional songs under its own label.
This studio is a treasure trove, housing around 53,000 vinyl records and 5,670 historical master recordings, including the original voice of Soekarno reading the proclamation of Indonesia’s independence. It has also been a recording hub for legendary Indonesian musicians such as Gesang, Waldjinah, Titiek Puspa, Bing Slamet, Manthous, Sam Saimun, and jazz maestro Buby Chen.
The Revival of Lokananta
However, like many historical sites, Lokananta experienced a decline from the 1990s to the early 2000s. Efforts to revive its glory culminated in a revitalization project starting on November 27, 2022. By June 3, 2023, Lokananta reopened with a fresh, well-maintained look, ready to serve as a creative hub once more.
What to Expect at Lokananta Today
Now, Lokananta boasts seven distinct areas for visitors to explore:
- Galeri Lokananta: A gallery showcasing the studio’s rich history.
- Studio Rekaman Lokananta: The main recording studio, updated for modern use.
- Lokananta Live House: A live performance space.
- Taman Lingkar Lokananta: A circular garden for relaxation.
- Panggung Amphitheater: An outdoor stage for performances.
- Area Ritel F&B: Food and beverage retail area.
- Area Ritel Kreatif (non F&B): Creative retail spaces for non-food items.
This revitalized space is not just a museum but a dynamic center for musicians, artists, and creative entrepreneurs. It holds the promise of becoming a recording venue for international artists in the future.
Why Visit Lokananta?
Visiting Lokananta is like stepping into a vibrant part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. You’ll find rare musical instruments, vintage recording equipment, and even the luxurious JBL D44000 Paragon speakers gifted by Bung Karno himself. This studio, now a museum, also houses machinery from the 1960s to the 1990s, like audio cassette duplicators, VHS machines, tape cutters, record players, and old recording consoles.
Lokananta’s revival aims to be more than just a tourist attraction. It’s set to be a nurturing ground for creative talents, offering a space that fosters social impact, economic growth, and cultural preservation.
Experience Lokananta with Java Private Tour
If you’re planning to explore Lokananta and other hidden gems in Java, consider Java Private Tour as your guide. Our guides are not only fluent in English but also friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring you get the most out of your visit. We offer flexible schedules tailored to your preferences and provide a range of private vehicles, from sedans to vans to tour buses. Our professional, licensed team, recommended by several foreign embassies, ensures a comfortable and insightful experience.
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