Banyumas Regency Government Masifkan Budaya Gobang Savil

The final of the traditional game "gobag sodor" between PKK sub-districts in the series of commemoration of the 452nd Anniversary of Banyumas Regency at the Satria Sports Hall complex, Purwokerto, Banyumas, Friday (10/2/2023). (ANTARA)

PURWOKERTO - The Regency Government (Pemkab) of Banyumas, Central Java, through the local Family Welfare Empowerment Team (TP PKK) seeks to preserve various traditional games, one of which is gobag sodor, so as not to become extinct.

This effort was realized by the Banyumas Regency Government by holding a champion match between the sub-district PKK TPs whose final round was held at the Satria Sports Center complex, Purwokerto, Banyumas.

When met on the sidelines of the activity, the Head of the Banyumas Regency PKK TP Erna Sulistyawati Achmad Husein said that the gobag sodor was chosen as one of the competitions in commemoration of the 452nd Anniversary of Banyumas Regency, because the traditional game has been very rarely played by the public.

"This activity is for uri-uri (preserving) traditional games that are fragile, no longer available," said Banyumas Regent Achmad Husein's wife, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, February 10.

In addition, he said, efforts to preserve the game of gobag sodor are also aimed at reducing the use of gadgets in children. Therefore, his party will again introduce the game of gobag sodor to school children from elementary school to SLTA.

"Later we will also preserve other traditional games to children such as Sundanese Manda and roll used tires. This traditional game is also a sport," he explained.

Erna further said that the gobag sodor match had started at the ex-district level which was attended by 27 sub-district PKK TP teams.

Meanwhile, in the final round, he said, it was attended by 7 sub-district PKK TP teams who were representatives of former cadres in the Banyumas area. "God willing, this match will be held regularly," he said.

Regarding the costumes worn by the badminton players, he said it was also an attempt to preserve the kebaya because the traditional clothes had begun to be abandoned.

"By using the costume, we want to show that the kebaya can be used for sports, gymnastics, and cycling," said Erna.

A member of the Gobag Sodor team from TP PKK Tambak Subdistrict, Dwi Asih Puspita Herlina admitted that he had not played GObag Sodor for the last time playing him as an elementary school.

He admits that currently the game of Gobag Sodor is very rarely played by the public, even children do not know the traditional game.

"God willing, I will participate in preserving by introducing and inviting children to play sodor," said the teacher at SD Negeri 1 Karangpucung, Tambak District.

The activity was also filled with the socialization of Rupiah's Love, Proudness and Understanding (CBP) as well as money exchange services held by the Purwokerto Bank Indonesia Representative Office (BI).