Traditional Indonesian Games

There are so many traditional Indonesian games that you can play on Independence Day. Here are just a few that SHB Preschool students take part in.

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Sack Race

A sack race is one of the most popular traditional Indonesian games.

This game is not only played by kids but also by adults as well. This game is commonly played when celebrating Indonesia Independence Day that occur every 17 of August.

This traditional game is also considered as one of the oldest of traditional Indonesian games.

Some people even said that this traditional game has been played since colonial era in Indonesia. In this game, the players will race from the start to finish line by wearing sack on their feet.

Bentengan

Bentengan or the Fort Game is also one of the most popular in traditional Indonesian games, especially among boys.

This game focuses on strategy and agility in avoiding or catching the opponents.

Some people said that this game is representing the struggle of Indonesian people when fight against the colonialist in the past.

Jacks

Bola Bekel is a traditional Indonesian games that is quite similar to the Jacks game. This traditional game is commonly played by girls.

However, some boys might also like to play this game as well. Some people said that this game came from West Java while other people said that it came from East Java instead.

You need a ball that is called Bekel Ball and ten jacks which are called Kuwuk (small sized seashell). This game can be played by three to five players.

Congklak

Congklak is also a traditional Indonesian game. Tthis game is played by using board with very unique and exotic design.

Some experts believe that this game came from Middle East and then spread to African Continent and after that spread to Asia.  This game became very popular in Indonesia after people from Middle East came to Indonesia.

Engklek

Engklek is a traditional Indonesian games usually played by girls. It also known as Taplak. Some people said that this game came from the British while other people might say that this game has existed since the 17^th century in Rome.

In Indonesia, this game became popular since the colonial era. This game can be played by three or more players. In this game, several boxes that are connected to each other will be drawn on the ground. The shape of the boxes may vary. The players are required to move from one box to another by using only one foot.

Marbles

Marble are considered as one of the most common types of game that are played by kids all around the world.

However, Indonesian marbles might have different rules. In Indonesia, a marble is called Kelereng.

In some regions, this game is also called Gundu. This game is commonly played by boys. You need two players or more to play this game. There are various types of game with various different rules that you can play using Kelereng.

Lenggang Rotan

Lenggang Rotan is known as hula-hoop in other countries outside Indonesia. This game is very popular among girls.

However, boys also can play this game as well. You can play this game alone or with your friends.

This game is played by using hoop that is made by rattan or plastic. You need to move your body and keep the hoop moving around your hips.