Playing is a phase that every human in the world experiences as a child. Through play, children can learn from the environment, and socialize with other people and animals.

However, technology has ushered in a more sedentary lifestyle among children, raising concerns that children nowadays have less understanding of the world and are less articulate in expressing their emotions.

Against this backdrop, Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta organizes a Children’s Gamelan Parade every year. Gamelan are sets of traditional musical instruments found in Sundanese, Balinese and Javanese culture.

This year’s parade, the ninth annual event, presented 16 groups from Yogyakarta and Central Java playing gamelan. However, the event is not only about gamelan but also features traditional games for children, a batik exhibition and traditional puppet show.

Children participating in the parade can try several traditional games like a plank race, stilt race and Javanese mancala.

The parade gives children the opportunity for experiential learning, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the world. [evi]