7 timeless traditional games to celebrate Indonesia’s Independence Day

Hey there, fellow Indonesians!

1. Panjat Pinang

2. Balap Karung

3. Lomba Makan Kerupuk

At IELC, we teach English the right way

Our courses

Every August 17th, we come together not just to honor our history and heroes but to celebrate with a day full of traditional games that everyone loves.

These games bring out the competitive spirit in all of us and foster a sense of unity and joy in our communities!

Whether you’re watching or participating, the excitement is infectious. They remind us of our rich cultural heritage and the simple pleasures that bind us together as a nation.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular traditional games that are an integral part of our Independence Day festivities. These games not only entertain but also foster a sense of community and national pride. So, let’s explore these exciting activities that make our Independence Day celebrations truly special and unforgettable!

1. Panjat Pinang

Have you ever participated in Panjat Pinang during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations? If not, you’re in for a treat!

In this game, a tall and slippery tree trunk is coated with oil or grease and planted firmly in the ground. Various attractive prizes such as bicycles, clothes, food, and other items are hung at the top of the trunk.

Participants form teams and work together to climb this slippery trunk and grab the prizes. Since the trunk is so slick, they often have to climb on each other, creating human towers to reach the top. This game demands teamwork, physical strength, and clever strategy.

Panjat pinang not only symbolizes unity and cooperation but also embodies the spirit of struggle and perseverance, reflecting the determination of the heroes who fought for Indonesia’s independence!

2. Balap Karung

The sack race, or “balap karung,” is a traditional game often held in Indonesia, especially during Independence Day celebrations on August 17th. This game is very popular among both children and adults because of its simplicity and the fun it brings.

In a sack race, participants must place their bodies into a sack (karung), usually a burlap sack, up to their waist or higher. Then, in this position, they must hop towards the finish line. The participant who reaches the finish line first is the winner.

Here’s how it works:

Simultaneous start: Everyone starts from the same line at the same time.
Stay in the sack: You have to stay in your sack the whole way. If you hop out, you’re disqualified.
Hopping only: You must hop with your feet inside the sack—no running or walking allowed.

The sack race is not just about competition; it’s about fun and laughter. The funny hopping movements often turn into a source of joy and amusement for both participants and spectators. It’s hard not to laugh when you see someone trying to maintain their balance while hopping frantically to the finish line!

3. Lomba Makan Kerupuk

The cracker eating contest, known locally as “lomba makan kerupuk,” is a beloved tradition on August 17th. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the fun it generates. Here’s the gist: large white crackers are tied to strings and hung at a height just right for participants. These crackers swing freely, making them quite the challenge to bite.

So, how does it work?

Preparing the crackers: Large white crackers are tied to strings and hung at a height that matches the average participant’s height.
Positioning the crackers: The crackers are left to swing freely, making them hard to reach without using your hands.

Game Rules:

Participants stand beneath the hanging crackers with their hands tied behind their backs, ensuring they rely solely on their mouths.
When the signal is given, participants must eat the crackers using only their mouths.
The first participant to finish their cracker wins the contest!

The cracker eating contest is always a crowd-pleaser. The sight of participants trying to grab a bite of the swinging crackers without using their hands is a guaranteed laugh generator. It’s a fun-filled activity that quickly becomes the center of attention during the celebrations.

4. Tarik Tambang

Tarik tambang is another popular traditional game in Indonesia, especially during Independence Day celebrations on August 17th. This game involves two teams competing in a test of strength by pulling a rope in opposite directions.

In tarik tambang, a strong, long rope is prepared for the game. The rope is marked in the middle with a ribbon or cloth to indicate the center point. Participants are divided into two teams with an equal number of members. Each team stands on opposite sides of the rope, gripping it firmly with both hands.

Two parallel boundary lines are drawn on the ground a few meters from the center point of the rope. These lines indicate the limits that a team must pull the center point of the rope past to win the match. When the referee gives the signal to start the game, both teams begin pulling the rope with all their strength towards their side. The team that successfully pulls the center point of the rope past their boundary line is declared the winner.

Tarik tambang tests both physical strength and team coordination and cooperation. Strategically pulling the rope in unison and rhythm is crucial to winning the game. This game enhances a sense of unity and team spirit, as every team member must work together to achieve a common goal.

5. Balap bakiak

Balap bakiak is a beloved traditional game in Indonesia, especially popular during our Independence Day celebrations on August 17th. This traditional game is loved for its excitement and the way it brings people together through teamwork and coordination!

In balap bakiak, participants use long wooden sandals called bakiak, which can be worn by several people at once. These sandals, usually made of wood with strong rubber straps to hold the feet, come in lengths that accommodate three to five people. Teams are formed with an equal number of members, typically three to five people per team. Each team stands on the same bakiak, with every member placing their feet in the rubber straps.

The game area is clearly marked with start and finish lines. When the signal is given, each team must walk or run to the finish line using their bakiak. The challenge lies in moving in unison and rhythmically to avoid falling or stumbling off the bakiak. The team that first reaches the finish line with all members still on the bakiak wins the game.

Balap bakiak requires strong teamwork and coordination. Every step must be synchronized, and even a slight misstep can cause the team to lose balance. This often results in lots of laughter and fun as participants try to keep their balance and move together. It’s an entertaining event for both participants and spectators.

The game also strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of togetherness. Success in balap bakiak requires good communication and mutual trust, making it a great way to build camaraderie. It’s not just about crossing the finish line first; it’s about working together and enjoying the experience!

6. Egrang

Egrang is a cherished traditional game in Indonesia, where players walk on two long poles known as egrang or enggrang. These poles, usually made of bamboo or wood, have footrests at the bottom, allowing players to stand and walk elevated from the ground. The game is not only fun but also a fantastic challenge, requiring good balance and coordination.

The egrang poles are typically about 2 to 3 meters long. Footrests are attached to these poles at a height of 30 cm to 1 meter above the ground, providing a stable platform for the players’ feet. Participants step onto the footrests and grip the upper part of the poles with both hands to maintain balance. Once they feel secure, they begin to walk by moving one egrang forward, then the other, in a rhythmic pattern.

Egrang is more than just a game; it’s a vital part of our cultural heritage! Not only is it a fun way to honour our heritage, physical benefits are significant too; walking with egrang strengthens the muscles in the legs and arms, contributing to overall fitness.

7. Gobak Sodor

Gobak Sodor is a popular traditional game in Indonesia, especially played by children in various regions. This game requires teamwork, speed, and strategy to win. Gobak Sodor is often played in open fields or school yards and it’s definitely a must play to celebrate the Independence Day!

The game involves two teams with an equal number of members.One team acts as the guards (defending team), while the other team attempts to cross the field (attacking team).

Game Rules:

The attacking team must try to pass through all the sections from one side of the field to the other and back without being touched by the defending team members.
The defending team guards each horizontal and vertical line within the sections to block the attacking team’s movements.
Horizontal line guards can move along the horizontal lines, while vertical line guards can move along the vertical lines.
If a member of the attacking team is touched by a guard, they must leave the game or the attacking team’s turn ends, depending on the agreed-upon rules.

Objective:

The attacking team must try to pass all the lines and return to the starting point without being touched by the guards to win the game.
The defending team must try to touch the attacking team members to stop them.

Gobak Sodor teaches the importance of teamwork and strategy to achieve a common goal. Every team member must communicate and work together to successfully pass the guards or stop the opponents. This aspect of the game helps children understand the value of cooperation and planning, skills that are essential both in games and in everyday life.

The game also requires physical speed and agility, which helps children improve their motor skills and reflexes!

Summary

As we celebrate another year of freedom, let’s cherish these traditions that have been passed down through generations. Whether you’re participating in these games or watching from the sidelines, take a moment to appreciate the rich cultural tapestry that makes our Independence Day celebrations so special. Here’s to many more years of laughter, unity, and cultural pride. Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan!

At IELC, we teach English the right way

Our goal is to get you speaking in English with fluency and confidence as fast as possible. We want to give you the skills you need to fulfil your potential!

Our experienced teachers will guide you along every step of the learning process to ensure that you are not wasting your time, money, and energy on useless language exercises & wrong methods.