Muhammad Isa Daud (80) from Paya Teungoh Village, Simpang Keuramat District, North Aceh Regency, started to become a traditional rapa'i craftsman in 1980.
He learned the technique of making rapa'i by self-taught. Apart from making rapa'i, he also makes traditional Acehnese musical instruments such as seurune kalee and canang ceureukeh. Conditions in the midst of a pandemic have not reduced the number of orders from consumers.
He learned the technique of making rapa'i by self-taught. Apart from making rapa'i, he also makes traditional Acehnese musical instruments such as seurune kalee and canang ceureukeh. Conditions in the midst of a pandemic have not reduced the number of orders from consumers.
The price of the rapa'i they make varies, from 500 thousand to 1 million rupiah depending on the size of the rapa'i made.
He is able to complete 4 rapa'i orders from consumers from various regions and foreign countries such as Turkey, Australia and Malaysia every day. In my opinion, being a crafter of traditional musical instruments like Rapai is still very promising, even the production of percussion instruments has not subsided despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
I consider this elderly man a legend, because he has been in his profession since 1980, or for 40 years. For one day, Tgk Muhammad Isa is able to produce 4 Rapai ring 24 and 12 Rapai ring 12. Just imagine how many Rapai have been produced at a young age. For one Rapai ready to percussion is priced at Rp. 1 million.
Interestingly, when other businesses shrunk due to Covid-19, his Rapai business did not subside at all. Even orders tend to increase. The Rapai made by the legend is not only used by local artists but has also been ordered by artists outside Aceh, such as Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and has even been ordered by artists in Sulawesi.
Not only that, his Rapai has also reached foreign countries, such as Turkey, Australia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, and has even been ordered by collectors of world musical instruments. In my opinion, he is one of the best Rapai craftsmen in Aceh, his Rapai is very high quality with a distinctive sound. Through this post, I dedicate it to the public so that they understand that being a craftsman of traditional musical instruments is also promising.
Although not rich, from his profession, Muhammad Isa was able to support his family, even his eldest son, following in his footsteps to become a Rapai craftsman in Buloh Blang Ara, still in North Aceh. Interestingly, since the beginning of opening a business until now, Tgk Muhammad Isa has never received any assistance from the government. He told me “Once came from the Bekraf, the National Creative Agency from the central government (Jakarta) last year, he could not submit a proposal because he did not understand administrative matters, the hope of getting help failed.
He should be accompanied and assisted in such matters, because he is a genuine craftsman who has contributed to preserving traditional art tools. Tgk Muhammad Isa is a rare figure who must receive attention from all parties, especially the government. It must be helped to develop, so that Rapai remains eternal and becomes a worldwide musical instrument of the Acehnese people's pride.
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