Goak Maling, a Traditional Balinese Game For Teamwork Sharpening.
Goak Maling is a traditional game from Buleleng, Bali, which means "the thieving crow." In essence, one player becomes the "goak" who tries to catch the last chick in a line. Another player acts as the mother hen protecting the line, while the rest play as chicks who must stay united by holding on to each other. If the last chick gets touched, they switch roles and become the goak. This game is usually accompanied by a traditional Balinese children’s song, known as sekar rare.
Bali is known not only for its natural beauty but also for the rich traditions that continue to thrive within its society. One of the cultural heritages that still exist is the traditional game named Goak Maling. This game originates from Buleleng, specifically from the Panji Village. The game does not have a specific event and can be played at any time, although it is usually played during Ngembak Geni (a day after the Nyepi celebration). This game is often played while singing sekar rare, which are children traditional songs, and it sung repeatedly while playing the game.
The Goak Maling Game (Source: Personal Collection)
The name Goak Maling comes from two words: "goak" meaning crow, and "maling" meaning thief. The game depicts a crow trying to steal chicks guarded by their mother. In Balinese tradition, the crow is often depicted as a clever and cunning creature, while the mother hen symbolizes love and courage in protecting her children.
The Goak Tries to Target the Last Chick (Source: Personal Collection)
This game is usually played by five or more children. One child plays as the "goak" (crow), one as the "induk ayam" (mother hen), and the rest become the "anak ayam" (chicks). The children who are the chicks line up neatly behind their mother, holding on to the shoulders or clothing of the friend in front of them. The Goak stands in front of the line, looking for an opportunity to touch the last chick. When the game starts, the Goak will try to approach the line and touch the last chick. The mother hen's duty is to protect her children by moving left and right, blocking the Goak from breaking through the line. The children in the line must also remain united and hold on tightly so they are not separated. The Goak usually moves quickly and sometimes feints by pretending to run in one direction and then suddenly turning back. If the Goak successfully touches the last chick, that child is considered "caught" and will switch roles to become the Goak in the next round. If unsuccessful, the game continues until someone is caught.
The Goak Caught The Last Chick (Source: Personal Collection)
The game is usually accompanied by the singing of sekar rare, which enhances the atmosphere and keeps the children's spirits high during the game. Here is the lyric:
Semeng bangun kepupungan
Kepupungan dundun kukuruyuk
Semeng bangun kepupungan
Kepupungan dundun kukuruyuk
Suryane suba makenyung Bangun cening goake ngelingkung
Suryane suba makenyung Bangun cening goake ngelingkung
Tong Tong Goak Maling
Tong Tong Goak Maling
Tong tong jungklang jungkling
Depang Ning apang paling Apang paling apang paling apang paling
Behind its excitement, Goak Maling holds many educational values. The mother hen roleplayers learns to protect something precious (family). The Goak learns strategy and cleverness. The children in the line learn unity, patience, and responsiveness to situations. All roles have their own challenges, and they all complement each other. Furthermore, by playing this game, we are helping to preserve Balinese culture which is easily forgotten in the digital era.
bibliography
- Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha. (2020). Wawancara dengan Drs. I Made Taro, "Film Dokumenter Permainan Tradisional 'Goak Maling Taluh'.
