How do Indonesians Celebrate Independence Day?

Summary

Indonesia's Independence Day on August 17 is celebrated with fun and engaging local competitions known as 'lomba'. Among the most popular games are handjapping, an oil-covered tree climbing challenge; balochorone, a sack race with colonial origins; makan karapook, a fast-eating contest with savory crackers that symbolizes the struggles of Indonesian soldiers during colonial times; bala bakiyak, a team race using traditional sandals; and balop kellering, a marble-spoon relay race. These games bring communities together in a joyful reflection of Indonesia's rich history and cultural resilience.

Takeaways

• 🇮🇩 Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day on August 17 with widespread festivities across the country.
• 🎉 The celebrations include joyful community games known locally as 'lomba.'
• 🤲 Handjapping is a game that requires both skill and determination.
• 🌴 Panjat Pinang involves climbing a greased palm tree to reach prizes at the top, creating excitement and laughter.
• 🦘 Balap Karung is a sack race competition that surprisingly originated during Dutch colonial times.
• 🍘 Makan Kerupuk is a fast-eating cracker competition that reminds Indonesians of historical food scarcity during colonial periods.
• 👣 Balap Bakiak is a team race where participants wear the same pair of traditional wooden sandals made from used tires.
• 🔴 Balap Kelereng requires carrying a marble on a spoon held in the mouth while racing to the finish line.
• 🌍 Many of these games have historical and cultural significance, some originating from other countries like Egypt and the Netherlands.
• 😄 Overall, these traditional games bring communities together, creating laughter, excitement, and a sense of national pride.

Q & A

How does Indonesia celebrate its Independence Day?

Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day on August 17th each year with community games and competitions, known locally as 'lomba.' These activities take place across the country, bringing joy and unity to the people.

What is 'panjat pinang' and how is it played?

'Panjat pinang' is a competition where participants climb an oil-covered Areca palm tree to reach prizes at the top. The challenge is difficult and often hilarious, as many participants fall or struggle to make it to the top.

What is the historical significance of 'panjat pinang'?

The game has cultural roots in Indonesia's colonial past. It represents the perseverance and determination of Indonesians, echoing the struggles for freedom during the colonial era.

What is 'balap karung' and where did it originate?

'Balap karung' is a sack race competition where participants race to the finish line with their legs inside a sack. Surprisingly, this game did not originate in Indonesia but started during the Dutch colonial period, played by both Dutch citizens and Indonesians.

Why is 'makar karapook' significant during Indonesia's Independence Day celebrations?

'Makan karapook' is a race to eat a salty cracker called 'karapook' as fast as possible. The game holds historical significance as it reminds Indonesians of the struggles their ancestors faced during the colonial period when food scarcity was common.

What is 'bala bakiyak' and how is it played?

'Bala bakiyak' is a traditional team game where participants wear a pair of 'bakiac,' wooden sandals made from used tires. The team must race to the finish line while wearing the same pair of sandals.

What is the history behind the 'bakiac' sandals used in 'bala bakiyak'?

The 'bakiac' sandals used in 'bala bakiyak' are traditional wooden sandals from Central Java. The sandals are made using straps from repurposed tires, adding a unique element to the race.

What is 'balap kelereng' and where did it originate?

'Balap kelereng' is a game where participants carry marbles on a spoon in their mouth while racing to the finish line. The game has historical roots in ancient Egypt, dating back to around 300 BC, and became popular in Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries.

How does 'balap kelereng' connect to the history of marbles?

'Balap kelereng' is based on the ancient game of marbles, which has been played in various cultures around the world for centuries. In Indonesia, it has been a popular game for decades, especially during Independence Day celebrations.

What are some common themes or values reflected in these games?

The games reflect themes of unity, determination, and remembrance of Indonesia's struggle for independence. They encourage teamwork, perseverance, and gratitude for the freedom gained through past struggles.