Gong Gumbeng is believed to have existed since 1837 AD, introduced by Irogiri, a veteran soldier of the Diponegoro War who sought refuge and settled in Wringinanom after Prince Diponegoro's defeat against the Dutch.
Despite its name, Gong Gumbeng does not use a conventional gong. Instead, it features the Gong Bonjor, a bamboo wind instrument that produces a low-pitched sound similar to that of a regular gong when blown. The Gong Gumbeng ensemble consists of 15 gumbeng (similar to angklung and suspended), one gong bonjor, one kendang, and one siter.
The name "Gumbeng" originates from a Javanese wordplay on "bumbung" and "mubeng," meaning a bamboo musical instrument used for wandering performances (mbarang/ngamen). This name is closely linked to the historical conflict between Panembahan Senopati, the founder of the Islamic Mataram Sultanate, and Ki Ageng Mangir, a ruler who refused to submit to Mataram.
According to the Yogyakarta Cultural Department, to defeat Ki Ageng Mangir, Panembahan Senopati's advisor, Ki Juru Mertani, suggested that Retno Pembayun disguise herself as a "Tledek" or sinden (traditional Javanese singer) and perform in Mangir with her troupe. Upon reaching Mangir, Retno Pembayun, with her beauty and artistic skills, captivated Ki Ageng Mangir, leading to their eventual marriage.
After their marriage, Retno Pembayun's true identity was revealed, and Ki Ageng Mangir planned to pay respects to his father-in-law, Panembahan Senopati. However, before entering the palace, Ki Juru Mertani subtly forced him to leave his sacred spear, Baru Klinting, outside.
As he bowed before Panembahan Senopati, the ruler suddenly struck Ki Ageng Mangir's head against Watu Gilang, his throne's base, killing him instantly. Ki Ageng Mangir was then buried at the royal cemetery in Kotagede, with half of his grave inside the enclosure and the other half outside, symbolizing his dual status as both a son-in-law and an enemy of Panembahan Senopati.
In Wringinanom, Gong Gumbeng is always performed during the village cleansing ceremony (bersih desa), held on the last Friday of the Javanese month of Selo at Sendang Mantilidirja. This tradition serves as a tribute to the ancestors and an effort to maintain environmental and spiritual balance within the community.
To preserve this cultural heritage, the Ponorogo Regency Government has officially recognized Gong Gumbeng as an Authentic Ponorogo Art. Additionally, Gong Gumbeng is regularly showcased at various cultural events in Ponorogo, such as Grebeg Suro and other cultural festivals. These efforts aim to ensure that this artistic legacy remains alive and continues to be appreciated by future generations.