BAMBOO CANNON : The Grass Weapon
Currently, I am undergoing fasting in the month of Ramadan. Every year, there will be a tradition that is present as a "noise" that fills this sacred atmosphere, namely, the "Bamboo Cannon" game.
In a number of areas in Indonesia and other allied Malay areas, this traditional game is known as the Bamboo Cannon, but in several other areas in Indonesia it is also known by a different name. In a number of areas in the Malay region, for example in the Bangka Belitung Islands this bamboo cannon is also known as a "bamboo gun", in Minangkabau it is called a betung or badia batuang cannon, while in Aceh it is called te't beude trieng. In Yogyakarta, Central Java and East Java, this game is more familiar with the name mercon Bumbung or Long Bumbung, while in Banten and in a number of other areas in Sundaland it is called "bebeledugan", meanwhile the people of Gorontalo in Sulawesi and ethnic groups in other eastern Indonesian regions call this game the name "bunggo".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xgyygH4TzM
Historically, with its title as "cannon", of course it was inspired by instruments in war. Almost inspired by the weapons used by the Portuguese when they occupied the archipelago in the 16th century. At that time, the presence of cannons for native people became their concern. They were surprised to see that there was something that could emit hot balls that caused great damage. Referring to the story of its origin, the Bamboo Cannon game is realized in the form of a "cannon" made of bamboo.
As a plant that belongs to the grass family, bamboo was chosen because of its strong character but flexibility and easy processing. Even with its various sizes, it also makes it portable to be moved to various locations. But now there has been a modification of the material in this tool, not only bamboo, materials that have characteristics like bamboo can also be used.
Meriam bambu di Sumatera Barat pada tahun 1947 yang digunakan pada masa revolusi fisik
source :https://www.nationaalarchief.nl/onderzoeken/fotocollectie/2dc85ec9-5e1b-c888-7f34-98a040fe422e
https://flic.kr/p/2or6bY3
In terms of usability, there are records showing its use as a weapon during the struggle for the physical revolution in Indonesia.