GEMPITA Enlivens RI's 80th Anniversary, Traditional Games Are In The Spotlight

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, opened the national anthem and independence competition. (IST)

JAKARTA - A different atmosphere can be seen in the Dikbudristek Complex Courtyard, Senayan, Sunday, August 17. The commemoration of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day was not only marked by national anthems and independence competitions, but also the presence of the Archipelago Cultural Protection Gema (GEMPITA), an event that brought back traditional Indonesian games.

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, opened the event directly. He called GEMPITA not just a celebration, but a commitment to maintaining tradition. "Today we celebrate independence in a way that is close to the people, through traditional games and dances. All of this is the identity of the nation," said Fadli.

One of the things that caught my attention was the Betung bamboo climbing competition, an innovation to replace pinang climbing. Fadli explained that the bamboo can be more environmentally friendly and useful after the event is over. "This bamboo can be used again for table crafts, chairs, and others," he said.

GEMPITA was held with the support of the Indonesian Traditional Sports Community (KOTI). Elementary school children from Jakarta and its surroundings participated in the gas competition, congklak, janur, taikcakan, to egrang. The series of activities also include Panca Adventure, painting with artists, climbing 17 bamboo betung, and closing with the puppet performance Ki Bagong Darmono.

Maria Ulfa, the representative of KOTI, emphasized that GEMPITA is a space for intergenerational unity. "We want the children to get to know traditional games more. Hopefully it can be worldwide. KOTI is ready to continue to facilitate and socialize it," he said.

Among the participants, Abid, an elementary school student, admitted that he was happy. "I'm really happy, so I can get to know all kinds of traditional games right away," he said with a cheerful face.

Closing the event, Fadli Zon hopes that the younger generation will continue to preserve traditional games. "We must celebrate this 80th independence with the spirit of maintaining culture, while jointly advancing Indonesia," he said.