ZEINA’S MUSIC
Clara Prima, Stringer Agency France Presse (AFP)

Zeina Nabila, 22 actively explores her music interest and potential despite her Down Syndrome affliction. Noticing her interest in gamelan when she was at Junior High School, both of her parents agreed to enroll her in a gamelan group called Difabel Hita Mandiri (DHM). She continues to practice even as she graduated junior high and ceased to be a member of the group.

DHM is a gamelan group for children with special needs. Founded by the parents of special needs children in 2006, DHM is an answer for the dire need of a place for children with special needs with interest in music, especially gamelan.

Zeina works as an administration staff at Taman Musik Dian Indonesia and every Wednesday she would make the time to attend the two-hour gamelan practice at DHM Studio in Duren Tiga.

In addition to playing saron, Zeina is also a sinden (a singer singing in Bahasa Jawa). During her time with DHM she has participated in numerous gamelan exhibitions including those held by the Canadian Embassy and Yogyakarta Gamelan Festival.

Zeina also hones her piano skills. She has been taking piano lessons from several private teachers for two years now, one of whom is Mrs. Wati who would teach her once a week for two hours.

Such varied activities and facilities intended for the exploration of potential and interest of children with disabilities are expected to provide a learning that leads to self development while fostering self confidence and instilling independence.