Sarong War: From Ramadan Tradition To Threat Of Violence

Photo Illustration By Luthfiah VOI

JAKARTA - The sarong war was originally known as a traditional game for children in various regions in Indonesia, especially during the month of Ramadan. Initially, this was only limited to entertainment to fill time before dawn or breaking the fast. However, over time, the sarong war developed more aggressively, even approaching the brawl.

If in the past the children only twisted the sarong as a light hitting tool, now several groups have put stones or hard objects into it, making it a dangerous event of violence. This phenomenon is increasingly prevalent and is the concern of various parties, including the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI).

The Central Banjarmasin Police arrested 15 teenagers who wanted to fight a sarong in the Banjarmasin City area, Monday (28/09/2024).. (ANTARA/HO-Humas Polresta Banjarmasin)

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Houses Of Worship And Their Roles In Preventing Sarong War

Deputy Chairperson of KPAI, Jasra Putra, highlighted the importance of the role of houses of worship in preventing children from getting involved in the sarong war. According to him, many mosques have become child-friendly houses of worship, especially during breaking the fast.

"Several mosques have presented children's artists, provided child-friendly breaking food, and held competitions and recitations of the Koran. This makes children feel actively involved in worship in a pleasant way," he said, Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Unfortunately, this friendly atmosphere does not continue at night during tarawih and sahur. At these times, children often escape supervision because adults are tired and preparing to undergo activities the next day.

"Therefore, it is important to involve youth mosques, storyblowers, social workers, and educational volunteers in accompanying children at critical times such as tarawih and sahur. For example, by holding fairy tales after tarawih or before sahur, as well as holding flash pesantren at that time," added Jasra.

Building Joint Awareness To Prevent Violence

According to KPAI, sarong wars often occur during tarawih and sahur nights. Elementary school-age children run around, attack each other with gloves, even some of the larger groups of teenagers gather around the mosque without participating in worship. This situation becomes dangerous when the game turns into an act of revenge against each other, especially if someone is injured.

"Production of violence is like the addiction industry. Once it happens, there is always a urge to increase its intensity. If it is not prevented, children can be carried away by the increasingly severe flow of violence," Jasra explained.

This phenomenon is also related to parenting patterns. Many children imitate their older siblings or peers' behavior without understanding the consequences. Unfortunately, the response from the environment is often in the form of violence.

"For example, a small child imitates the movement of squeezing a sarong in the mosque, then he is immediately scolded or beaten. In fact, he only imitates without knowing the risks. This stigma can be carried to adulthood and establish a negative mindset about himself," he added.

Violence in disciplining children will only perpetuate the same cycle in the next generation. Therefore, it is important to create a healthier environment, including in places of worship.

Collaboration To Create Children-Friendly Spaces Of Worship

To overcome this problem, Jasra Putra emphasized the importance of the involvement of various parties. Zakat, infaq and alms funds can be allocated to social programs that support children to avoid sarong wars and other forms of violence.

"The tarawih prayer pattern can be strengthened by the support of the community, CSR, ministries, philanthropic institutions, and zakat organizations to create child-friendly worship spaces. We can learn from the experience of breaking the fast, where children can still be involved in worship in a fun way," he said.

KPAI is also ready to support the joint movement in preventing the sarong war, which has claimed lives.

"Most importantly, we must ensure that the children remain under surveillance and are protected. Their safety is our common responsibility," concluded Jasra Putra.