Parents Supervise And Limit Children When Playing Sarong War!

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JAKARTA - The sarong war is one of the most popular traditions in Indonesia, especially in the month of Ramadan, and is often carried out by boys and teenagers using sarongs that are usually worn to worship switch to weapons in combat. This tradition is usually done after tarawih prayers or dawn prayers.

Talking about the origin of this sarong war cannot be ascertained where the source came from, but there are several theories related to this. The sarong war is believed to have roots in the traditions of the Muslim community in Indonesia, especially in coastal or inland areas that are thick with the influence of Arab and Islamic culture.

Some consider the sarong war as a form of traditional game that develops as part of local culture. There are also those who consider the sarong war as a mere pleasure.

However, over time, the sarong war is no longer an entertainment that causes casualties. Because the sarongs worn can be considered as weapons because of objects that injure people.

Many in various media reported on the case of a sarong war that was secured by the Police, causing fatalities. Recently, in Kuningan Regency, a grade 2 student at Cigugur State Junior High School, Muhammad Hilman Herdian, was found dead around a public cemetery (TPU), Thursday, March 6.

According to the Police there, Hilman's death was suspected after participating in the sarong war in the early hours of the morning. Psychologists and the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) also highlighted the phenomenon of the sarong war that occurred.

KPAI Highlights Sarong War: Parents Must Stay Aware

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) noted that in 2024, the number of cases of children who were victims of crime was 37 people, including being victims of the sarong war. In 2024, there were about 37 children who were victims of street crimes who reported to KPAI. It includes children who were victims of brawls and sarong wars," said KPAI member Diyah Puspitarini to Insight, Wednesday, March 12.

With this figure, Diyah appealed to parents to continue to tighten supervision of their children, especially at night. Moreover, now, technology is getting more sophisticated, of course, it will make it easier to monitor children.

Parents must remain aware of their children's activities, especially at night. Parents must make sure who their children are playing with, where to, because with the convenience of technology at this time, sometimes it is very easy for children to stay connected and then have meetings without the knowledge of their parents," he continued.

As much as possible, parents should try to provide a sense of security and comfort to their children at home. Apart from parents, continued Diyah, people together with security forces must be involved in conducting patrols, especially in vulnerable hours. Make sure parents provide comfort at home so that children will feel more comfortable at home than outside,' Diyah suggested.

Psychologist: Parents Never Underestimate Children Playing Sarong War

Meanwhile, in terms of opinion of child and adolescent psychologists, Novita Tandry assessed that the sarong war is no longer the same as in the past, which was just entertainment during the month of Ramadan. In fact, it becomes a brawl that can cause casualties.

"So when we talk about sarong war, this is a traditional game that is synonymous with the excitement (during) Ramadan. But if we look at it lately, it becomes a covert brawl and eventually leads to physical violence. We can even see that there have been casualties," he said.

According to him, the role of parents is very important as the main educator for children in supervising. So that children are not trapped in the negative side of the sarong war.

"So maybe the first thing that must be held by parents is not to take it lightly. Because sometimes I pay attention, parents underestimate the 'wah, war with gloves,'. This game is normal. When I was little, there were no serious impacts," said Novita.

But if we pay attention to some cases, these children have included elements of violence. Embedding stones, for example or hard objects into the sarong to injure their opponents. So, that person must know, this is not just a tradition anymore but can develop into a dangerous action if of course it is not controlled by the parents," he continued.

To prevent casualties from occurring, Novita advised parents to continue to communicate well to their children. Because, this is an important thing.

There must be communication with children. Parents must tell the consequences or risk of injury, even the stone or hard object hits a vital person's life and even kills someone's life. If there is revenge because one of his friends is injured or dies, there can be revenge. Moreover, in the month of Ramadan, the holy month must be filled with positive activities, not actions that harm yourself or others," he suggested.

The next step, parents are asked to take firm action to limit children's activities. "There must be clear boundaries. So they are told what the limits are. It is better for adults to be able to supervise. So this sarong war has a reasonable limit. Awareness of violence itself that the sarong war can be initially joking but in the aftermath it can lead to emotions and revenge," said Novita.

Then, Novita suggested again to parents to teach their children to control their emotions. The last step is the school environment. Especially for teachers who act as a substitute for parents must dare to take firm action.

"Each school is very important to be able to play a role. That all games with indications leading to violence, in schools do not tolerate. So there must be harsh sanctions. Of course, residents or communities where children grow up alive and develop must have collaboration to prevent or prevent them from activities in the month of Ramadan which are much more positive," he concluded.