Bandung Review : Amazing Fun Race at Alimpaido (BETA VERSION)

Articles -> BRDC Journal

Amazing Fun Race at Alimpaido

The famous Gandhi once said, “No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive.” That is why tradition needs to be preserved by introducing it not only to the next generation, but also to the grater society; as done by the West Java Tourism Board, through this Alimpaido, Sundanese Traditional Games Olympic. You must wonder what types of game are there in this event. Well, fortunately BandungReview was there to give you the scoop.

As some of you may not know, this traditional Olympic (Alimpaido) was not the first time. West Java Tourism Board has planned to make this event an annual festival held in different cities every year. This year, Bandung has been chosen to be the host of the 2nd Alimpaido last weekend (7th and 8th of August 2010) at Monumen Perjuangan in Dipati Ukur. This event was not just merried by contestants from 24 cities and regions accross West Java. 5 Provinces and 2 foreign countries (Malaysia and South Korea) were invited to participate in this traditional Olympic as part the goal of introducing the Sundanese culture. The 5 provinces were Bangka Belitung, Lampung, Bali, North Sulawesi and Papua. There were 2 league (children and adult) with more than 5 games were played, such as stilts race (egrang), hopscotch (engkle), little wooden car (rorodaan), spin top (gasing), snap gun (bedil jepret), coconut shell race (kelom batok), one legged race groups (perepet jengkol), etc. These games were arranged in a whole set of competition.

We watched such fascinating races of glory on Alimpaido. The guests performed great skills, even though some of them were real amateurs, in terms of never played the games in their childhood times. The audiences also showed great enthusiasm over Alimpaido. Their cheers became an element of the show’s attraction. Alimpaido also featured several West Java style entertainments, like children’s traditional dances and the collaborated music between the traditional and modern style of West Java. Finally, the winners are revealed. Sukabumi, Ciamis, Kuningan and Bekasi Regency won the children’s league. Meanwhile, the adult group winners were Lampung, Papua, Bangka Belitung and North Sulawesi. In the closing ceremony, it was also revealed that the next Alimpaido will be held in Bogor on the year 2011.

After the show, we realized that these traditional games are facing extinction because Indonesian youth nowadays prefer modern gadgets as their playmate. But, Alimpaido proved that traditional games are definitely have more fun, dynamic and featured some level of adventure that cannot be replaced with any kind of modern technology. It is an asset for our civilization and should be treasured, so the next generations can meet them even centuries have changed. (TC/RA)

Indonesian Version