Introducing traditional games at school

Thu, July 27, 2017 / 09:35 am

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A new student of SMK 1 Pundong state vocational high school in Bantul regency, Yogyakarta, runs during the cengkir (coconut shell) race during the school orientation program on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. JP/Aditya Sagita
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Batik with various motifs, mostly modern ones such as android symbols, created by new students hangs on the wall during the student orientation program. JP/Aditya Sagita
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Students compete in the wheel race during the student orientation program. JP/Aditya Sagita
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A cengkir (coconut shell) is arranged in front of the starting line. JP/Aditya Sagita
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Two new students help classmates put on blindfolds during the masangin competition in which participants run between two trees. JP/Aditya Sagita
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Teachers join the wheel race. JP/Aditya Sagita
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A new student signs an integrity pact using a canting (a pen-like tool used in making batik). The pact said they would not become involved in violent acts and drugs. JP/Aditya Sagita
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Students create wedding ornaments made of janur (young coconut leaves). JP/Aditya Sagita
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Two male students create batik while their classmates look on. JP/Aditya Sagita
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A male student gestures after passing between two trees in the masangin competition in the school orientation program. JP/Aditya Sagita

There have been incidents during school orientation programs in which new students have been injured or have died. However, SMK 1 Pundong state vocational high school in Bantul regency, Yogyakarta, is trying out a new method by introducing traditional games to new students.

Among the traditional games introduced recently were ketupat (rice cake in woven palm leaves) making; cengkir (coconut shell) race and batik making.

A total of 256 new students took part in the event and were required to wear traditional Yogyakarta attire while participating in the cengkir race. The sound of laughter could be heard among them.

“It’s exciting. The games are fun and easy to play,” said Citra Adi Pratiwi, one of the new students.

The school's vice principal, Sutapa, said it had been decided to introduce and preserve Yogyakarta culture, including the games, so that the younger generation could still play them.

Students also signed integrity pacts in which they pledged to avoid violence, drugs and crime. They signed the pact using a canting (pen-like tool used in making batik). [yan]