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Pak Abu the Kompang Maker

Pak Abu is a kompang maker. He has been making kompang for almost 25 years. It was his late father who thought him how to make the kompang. According to Pak Abu, many people believed it is of Malay origin but it is not true. The Arab traders brought it here and introduced it to the Malay community. It is usually used during weddings and to welcome VIPs during special occasions. Pak Abu makes kompang of different sizes. The narrow circular frame, called the balos is covered with goat hide on one side. Pak Abu does not use any other animal skin or any artificial materials. He only uses goat hide because it produces the best sound. Pak Abu has taught his son to make the kompang. He is now able to make kompang on his own but he stills refer to Pak Abu to determine the quality of the kompang. Pak Abu does not have any shop to sell or display his kompang. Since he is a well-known kompang maker, he just waits for his customers at his house. They come from all over the country.