Traditional Games of Indonesia

One of the most fascinating things about living in Indonesia is the discovery of bits of Indonesian culture which are actually not Indonesian at all, but originate in other lands. For centuries, the Indonesian archipelago has been visited by traders from many corners of the world who came to buy spices and other agricultural riches. Indonesian cultural diversity benefited by the many peoples who passed through the archipelago, due to Indonesia's location along the primary trade route between Europe and Asia.

Together with the items they brought to sell, these traders brought bits of their culture along with them as well. These included religion, language, foods and textile traditions. Less written about than spices, silks and ceramics, however, are the games brought to Indonesia by travelers over the centuries.

I've long been fascinated with Congklak, which I had thought of as a traditional Indonesian game since I first played it in Yogyakarta in the late 70s. Much to my surprise, my previously held belief in the Indonesian origins of this game was shattered when I saw a Congklak board in a cultural display organized by the African Women's Group in Jakarta some years ago. Upon seeing the game I said, "Oh, you play Congklak too ..." The women staffing the exhibit said " No, this is Wari, a traditional African game." Thus, my first inkling of the widespread nature of this game.

Origins of Congklak

Congklak has its origins in either Africa or the Arab world, depending on which scholar's theory you choose to believe. Some of the oldest evidence was found in National Geographic-sponsored archaeological diggings dating back to 7,000 to 5,000 BC in present-day Jordan. Excavations of a house uncovered a limestone slab with two parallel rows of circular depressions. The layout was easily recognizable to an archaeologist on the dig as the Congklak playing board. Murray, a noted scholar, traced the origins to ancient Egypt's Empire Age (about the 15th to 11th centuries BC). Many experts surmise that Congklak may in fact be the oldest board game ever.

The earliest recorded writings describing the game were found in references to mancala in Arab religious texts dating to the Middle Ages. Some scholars believe that the game originated in the Middle East and spread from there to Africa. Then, the game spread to Asia with Arab traders and came to the Caribbean around 1640 via the African slave trade. Other experts place the origins in Central Africa.

Today, the game is known by numerous names around the world. The names are taken from the local culture using words that reflect where the game is played, the manner of winning, the mode of play and the board or counters used. It is referred to in English as Count and Capture.

In Arab countries, the most common name is mancala (an Arabic word meaning in English "to move"). In some West African countries the depressions in the board are referred to as Warri or Awari, which means houses, thus giving it the name Wari. In Nigeria the game is known as Adi, which is also the name of the seeds used to play the game.

Due to its widespread popularity, enthusiasts have developed numerous web sites documenting various versions of the game. For a good link list to many of these sites, see http://www.cs.uu.nl/~hansb/d.gam/mancala.html. Another good web site, http://www.myriad-online.com/en/resources/awalink.htm, lists 279 names of the game found through their research. As you surf through these web sites, it's fascinating to see how each country or culture has its own customs relating to the making of the board, who can play, as well as how and when the game is played. Some sites feature on-line versions of the game as well, if you'd like to play with other enthusiasts around the world.

The game is so popular that the British Museum's Museum of Mankind featured an exhibition of mancala, Wari and other Congklak playing boards in 1997.

Congklak in Indonesia

Even within Indonesia, Congklak is known by different names from region to region. The most common name, Congklak, is taken from the cowrie shell, which is commonly used to play the game. In Malaysia, the game is known as congkak, a name that is used in many Sumatran provinces as well. In Java, the game is known as Congklak, dakon, dhakon or dhakonan. In Lampung, the game is called, dentuman lamban. In Sulawesi, the game is referred to as Mokaotan, Maggaleceng, Aggalacang and Nogarata.

Historical references to Congklak refer to the game played by young girls of Javanese nobility. It is most likely that foreign traders, due to their close contact with the upper classes, introduced Congklak to them. With the passage of time, Congkla' s popularity grew until its now widely played by the common people as well. In most regions, Congklak play is limited to young girls, teens and women in their leisure time and its seen as a 'girl's game'. In only a few regions is Congklak played by men and boys as well.

In Sulawesi, historically, the game was reserved for play only during grieving periods, after the death of a loved one. It was considered taboo to play the game at any other time. In Central Java, in pre-historic times, Congklak was used by farmers to calculate the seasons, to know when to plant and harvest, as well as to predict the future.

Congklak Playing Board

The playing board is made from wood, with variations from island to island in the number of holes on each side, either 5, 6, 7 or 9 holes. All the boards have two 'store house' holes, one on each end. The design varies from simple, unadorned woods, to boat-shaped boards, to highly decorated playing boards. In Central Java, elaborate designs utilizing the Javanese naga (dragon) are common. Dragons face out from both ends, with their tails decorating the side of the boards and legs suspending the board up off the floor. Congklak boards can be elaborately carved and painted, with gold and red being popular colors. Most, however, are made of relatively plain wood.

As in the archaeological find in Jordan, diggings in Mojokerto, Lamongan and Bondowoso in East Java have unearthed Congklak 'boards' with holes carved into large stones. These were found along with the broken pieces of temple stones and other archaeological remains of earlier times.

In Lampung, village children often play without a board, but instead create their own playing area by scooping out holes in the ground and collecting stones or seeds each time they want to play.

Playing Pieces

Not much has changed since prehistoric times, when Congklak was played with stones or seeds. In Indonesia, stones, seeds and shells are used to play the game, whatever is close at hand. Near a beach shells may be used. Near rivers, the game may be played with smooth pebbles and in agricultural areas, seeds. Commonly used seeds are tamarind, kemiri, sawo and even corn kernels.

The widespread popularity of Congklak around the world can undoubtedly be attributed in part to the simplicity of the materials used to play the game. Congklak, in all its variations, continues to attract dedicated players as well as craftsmen, mathematicians, programmers and collectors of regional art and handicrafts.

Whatever version you play today, and by whatever name you call it, you'll find Congklak a challenging game of patience and skill.

taken from : http://www.expat.or.id/info/congklak.html

Title: "Observing Indonesian Customs and Courtesies " Observing Indonesian Customs and Courtesies

Every different country has their own customs and traditions, which must be observed and respected particularly by tourists who would not wish to be thought of as “rude.” Here are a few guidelines to follow when visiting Indonesia:

Greetings

1. The Indonesian culture is based on honor and respect for the individual. Letters begin with "Dengan Hormat", "with respect". Respect should always be remembered when greeting others.
2. Men and women usually shake hands and bow the head slightly when introduced for the first time.
3. Indonesians shake hands when congratulating someone or saying goodbye before a long trip.
4. When one is introduced to older people, a slight bow is appropriate.
5. Unless his own wife or fiancé, a man does not touch a woman in public, except to shake hands, even if he knows her well.
6. If a person has a prestigious title such as doctor or professor, it should be used in conversation.


Conversation

Conversational subjects which should be avoided in polite company:

1. Talking about sex in public is very inappropriate.
2. Disparaging religions and ethnic origins are not acceptable.
3. Asking someone's income and wealth is inappropriate.
4. Criticism should be avoided. If it must be given, it should be well disguised and very subtle. Criticism is never directed at the individual personally. It is never delivered in public or with an audience.
5. Discretion is a virtue.
6. Speak softly. Loud voices are impolite.


Public Manners

1. Kissing in public is inappropriate.
2. When traveling, a person is expected to give his or her seat to the elderly, and men are expected to give their seats to women.
3. Shoes should be removed before entering carpeted rooms, feasting places, places of funeral viewing, or holy places, especially mosques.
4. Gestures are not used for calling someone, except to a child. Waving one's hand with the palm facing down signals another person to come.
5. The left hand should not be used to shake hands, touch others, point, eat food, or give or receive objects.
6. Standing with hands in pocket or on hips is interpreted as defiance or arrogance and should be avoided.
7. Sunglasses should be removed when speaking to someone or when entering a home.
8. Feet should never be used as pointers, and should stay off desks and tables.
9. Yawning in public should be avoided, but if one must yawn or cough a hand should be placed over the mouth. Eating while standing or walking is inappropriate.


Dress and Clothing

1. Public dress is left up to the individual, provided it is modest. Some Indonesians are conservative dressers and slow to accept new styles.
2. Shorts, tank tops, and the like are not considered appropriate, except for picnic and similar occasions.
3. In the cities, people wear casual dress, and most of the people accept a new style of dress.
4. A shirt and tie are appropriate for males in most business occasions.
5. When invited to a dinner in private homes, people can wear informal or casual dress, most Indonesians wear traditional batik dress.
6. Formal wear should be worn if it is specified by the invitation.
7. In theatres, restaurants and operas, informal and casual wear are appropriate.


Table Manners

1. Many westernized Indonesians eat with a spoon and fork, but more traditional families eat with their hands. If one is not offered eating utensils, it is appropriate to ask for a spoon and a fork (usually dinner knives are not used). Generally the fork used in the left hand and the spoon in the right.
2. It is impolite to eat or drink before invited to do so by one's host.
3. Both hands are kept on the table while eating.
4. Hostesses appreciate compliments on the food, but humorous remarks about the food are a serious breach of etiquette.
5. Paying for a meal is done by the one who issued the invitation to eat. Going "Dutch" is not common and considered poor form.
6. After the meal you should thank the host and the hostess, and the guests are not expected to help clear the dirty dishes from the table.


Gifts

1. Gift are generally not expected by traditional Indonesians. Gifts should be accepted graciously, it is impolite to refuse anything.
2. Indonesians do not generally open gifts in the presence of the giver.
3. When invited to a dinner, flowers are considered appropriate gifts.
4. When staying as a guest in a private home, you can bring a small gift that is typical of your country. Cookies, candies, fruits, flowers, etc are also okay.
5. Business gifts are not necessary, but sometimes are appreciated. The appropriate gifts for business are small items such as pens, watches, shirts, ties, ladies’ purses, etc.


Private Homes

1. Traditional visiting times are Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
2. In Indonesia, guests are welcomed very warmly and it is an honor for them if you can stay with them. Hosts mostly will serve drinks and foods, but one should not drink or eat until invited, and it is also impolite to refuse the drink and food that has been served for you.
3. It is polite but not necessary to remove one's shoes if the hostess is not wearing footwear.
4. It is polite but not necessary to offer your help to do household chores, because most of the middle class people in Indonesia have paid househelp.
5. Wear something decent if you are not in your bedroom. It is necessary to make a conversation to the hostess, do not lock yourself in the bedroom.
6. If it is time to go to bed, it is necessary to say good night to the host.
7. Do not over sleep, most of Indonesians prepare breakfast for the guests and expect to have breakfast together.
8. It is necessary to tell the host, whenever you go out.

taken from : http://visitasiaguide.com/visit-indonesia/indonesian-customs.htm