Stichting Gema Rasa is a cultural organisation dedicated to promoting Javanese music and dance.
The foundation grew out of an unexpected turning point in the autumn of 2023. A gathering on 14 October brought together a shared vision: preserving Javanese culture and art.
On 20 October the organisation received its name and board structure, followed by official registration with the Chamber of Commerce on 17 January 2024. The affiliated gamelan group, Jiwa Manunggal, symbolises transforming adversity into cultural richness.
Literally, "gema" means "echo" in Javanese and Indonesian. It stands for the resonance of the rich traditions of Javanese dance and gamelan music, echoing across generations and communities worldwide.
"Rasa" translates as "feeling", "taste" or "essence" — the deep emotional connection and inner awareness that grows through practising and experiencing Javanese traditions.
A world in which Javanese performing arts — traditional dance, gamelan music and wayang — serve as powerful bridges for personal growth, self-awareness and the healing of historical wounds, connecting Javanese communities from Suriname, the Netherlands and Indonesia.
We promote Javanese performing arts as a way to connect people with themselves and with one another. Through education, performance and cultural exchange we build spaces of connection, respect and mutual enrichment — mindful of our shared colonial history.
From a short ceremonial opening to a complete day programme — discover our range of performances, workshops and stories.
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