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The word Keroncong comes from the sound of the 4-stringed instrument that dominates the ensemble. It resembles a Hawaian ukulele, known as an cukulele. It is said that Kerongcong originated and developed in Java in the 15th century.

There is a lot of Portuguese influence, using the ukelele and other stringed instruments. There is a great amount of gamelan influence too. In its original form, it consisted of songs sung with the accompaniment of the Indian sitar, the rehab or bowed chordaphone, and the suling or bamboo flute.

Today, these instruments are sometimes replaced by the guitar (for sitar), violin (for rehab), modern flute, cello (which takes on the role of the gamelan instruments) and the bass (which is a substitute for the gong).

Modern keroncong groups may even include the accordian and the vibraphone to add extra colour. The vocals however still remain traditional, based mainly on the Javanese pelog or slendro scales.

The uniqueness of the music derives from plucking the cello and bass. Usually there are one or more singers. The main singer, violin or flute carries the main melody and the other instruments decorate or support them.

The songs praise romance, nature, the country and the nation. The music is close to the people, nostalgic and popular.