The music of Sumatra, Indonesia, is known for dangdut and the use of rabab and saluang instruments.

The Toba people of Sumatra are unique in their use of drums that play the main tune in their music. This practice is uncommon around the world. The Toba also use an instrument similar to the oboe and several types of gongs. Music groups often include the gondang sabangunan ensemble.

The Batak Mandailing people are a group from the Province of North Sumatra. Their music includes the gordang sambilan, which is a set of nine drums arranged from largest to smallest. This set is played with the help of two large gongs (agung), a bamboo flute (sarune or saleot), and a pair of small cymbals (tali sasayat).