Journal of Mathematics Instruction, Social Research and Opinion
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): March

Exploration of Ethnomathematics on the Traditional Musical Instrument Serunai in Bengkulu

Utomo, Wahyu Setyo (Unknown)
Kashardi, Kashardi (Unknown)
Riwayati, Selvi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study aims to explore the ethnomathematical concept embedded in the traditional musical instrument Serunai Bengkulu, with a focus on its geometric and symmetrical elements. Serunai, a local cultural heritage, has a physical form that reflects mathematical concepts, such as a cylinder, a truncated cone, and a circle. Using a descriptive qualitative approach with ethnographic methods, data were collected through direct observation, interviews with cultural experts, and visual documentation. The results show that parts of the Serunai, such as the funnel, stem, and ornaments, exhibit vertical and rotational symmetry, as well as geometric shapes consistent with mathematics learning materials at the Junior High School (SMP) level. Integrating local cultural elements into mathematics learning can provide a contextual learning experience, increase student interest, and bring mathematics closer to everyday life. These findings support the importance of implementing ethnomathematics in education, particularly in efforts to preserve local culture and to strengthen understanding of mathematical concepts in more meaningful ways. This study also recommends using cultural objects, such as musical instruments. traditional in learning as a contextual medium to introduce the concepts of geometry and symmetry to students.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

misro

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Social Sciences

Description

The Journal of Mathematics Instruction, Social Research and Opinion (MISRO) is a peer-reviewed scholarly online journal. The MISRO is published in March, July, and November three times a year. The MISRO is a non-profit journal whose publication is free of charge. The articles should be original, ...