KBRN, Jakarta: In an era dominated by modern games, many traditional Indonesian games have been sidelined and forgotten, often dismissed as outdated. Yet the traditional game of congklak offers valuable lessons in character-building for the younger generation.

As technology continues to advance, traditional games are gradually being replaced by digital devices.

Many Indonesians seem to have forgotten that the country boasts more than 2,600 traditional games, each rich in cultural heritage. Some are unaware of even a single one. Among the most iconic is congklak.

Known by various names across the archipelago, congklak is called dakon in Java, congkak in Sumatra, and dentuman lamban in Lampung. In Arabic, it is referred to as mancala, a term that means “to move.”

Congklak has long been played in Asia, particularly in the Malay region.

Historical accounts suggest that Arab merchants introduced the game to Indonesia while trading and spreading Islamic teachings. Archaeologists believe it originated in the Middle East, later spreading to Africa and Asia through Arab traders.

Some experts even consider congklak one of the oldest board games in the world.

According to indonesia.go.id, the game is played by two people using a wooden or plastic board measuring about 40–50 centimeters in length. The board features 14 small holes arranged in pairs and two larger holes at each end. Each player controls seven small holes and one large hole, which serves as their “storehouse.”

Players fill the small holes with 5–7 seeds, typically cowrie shells or sapodilla seeds, while the large holes remain empty.

On each turn, a player picks up all the seeds from one of their small holes and distributes them clockwise, one by one, into the remaining holes until their hand is empty.

The game ends when all the small holes are empty and the seeds have been collected in the storehouses. The player with the most seeds in their storehouse wins.

Beyond entertainment, congklak sharpens a child’s business acumen and critical thinking. It stimulates counting skills and strategic planning, encouraging players to maximize their seed collection.

Despite its simplicity, congklak instills strong character values. It teaches honesty and respect for rules. When a player drops seeds one by one, the opponent cannot see the exact number, making honesty essential. Since rules are agreed upon beforehand, fairness is expected.

The game also fosters patience, as players must wait for their turn. When the game ends, children typically accept the outcome with grace, regardless of who wins.

Given its educational and cultural value, preserving congklak and other traditional games is essential. Children should take pride in playing these games rather than becoming absorbed in digital entertainment. Doing so will help future generations retain Indonesia’s unique cultural identity. ***