Harmonia : Journal of Music and Arts
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): February 2026

The Evolution of Musical Aesthetics in Indonesia: From Traditional Forms to Contemporary Expressions

Anisah Mutiara Zahra Hanifah (State University of Malang)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Feb 2026

Abstract

Indonesian musical aesthetics form a complex cultural system encompassing emotional expression, spirituality, collective participation, identity, and ritual meaning—extending far beyond mere sonic appreciation. Since comprehensive scholarly synthesis of its evolution remains limited, this narrative literature review examines how traditional aesthetic principles have evolved while sustaining cultural continuity across shifting historical, social, and technological contexts. Drawing on interdisciplinary sources (primarily 2020–2025, supplemented by foundational historical works) from ethnomusicology, musicology, cultural studies, anthropology, postcolonial studies, and digital media studies, the study applies thematic narrative synthesis across musical traditions, aesthetic concepts, historical periods, cultural transformation, technology, and theoretical frameworks. Findings show Indonesian musical aesthetics are organized around rasa, collective participation, spirituality, ritual, and culturally situated notions of beauty, evolving through stages from traditional communal practice, court traditions, and colonial encounters to nationalism, commercialization, contemporary experimentation, and digital transformation. Rather than displacing tradition, modernization has driven adaptive reinterpretation through hybridity, cross-cultural collaboration, and technological innovation—though digital media also raises concerns about authenticity, ownership, algorithmic mediation, and heritage preservation. Cultural hybridity thus acts as a mechanism of resilience, not replacement. Future research should address digital heritage, AI, cross-regional comparison, and culturally grounded frameworks for sustainable preservation and innovation.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

harmonia

Publisher

Subject

Arts

Description

Harmonia : Journal of Music and Arts with ISSN Number 3032-4076 (Online) published by Indonesian Scientific Publication, is a distinguished open-access scholarly journal that has undergone rigorous peer review since its inception. Dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of music and arts, ...