Although classical music did not originate in Indonesia, 
the presence of certain elements of the art goes back centuries. 
Kroncong music, which is said to be an inheritance 
from the Portuguese (16th – 17th centuries), is one them. 
During the 18th and 19th centuries it was not uncommon 
for wealthy colonialists such as merchants and plantation owners, 
to maintain a western orchestra in their mansions, 
manned by local musicians.

 
There was also a strong presence of classical music, 
in the form of an orchestra, at the court of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, 
where noted German painter and musician, 
Walter Spiess actually began his sojourn in Indonesia in the 1920s.  
But despite the considerable advancements achieved since then, 
classical music still does not occupy the position of strength 
that it has reached in many other non-western countries 
such as China and Japan.

 
Scientific research on this kind of music shows that it improves 
intelligence and builds character.  These are the elements 
that provided the impetus for Yayasan Musik Amadeus 
to help spread appreciation for classical music 
and up lift the quality of life in Indonesia.