Batewah Game (South Kalimantan, Indonesia)

1. Origin

Word “Batewah” is derived from Tiwah which is a special ceremony performed by Kaharingan followers in hinterland of Kalimantan, Indonesia. This ceremony is intended to send soul (dead family members) to the heaven. The family who initiates the tiwah ceremony should purchase a big buffalo for sacrifice rite. Prior to slaughtering the buffalo, the family will gather around the buffalo in circle form. The buffalo which was tightened to a tree or big stick are thrown by spear. Afterwards, the meat is cooked for food.

Way of performing Batewah game which resembles –to certain extent- the tiwah ceremony assumes that the first originated from later. In the Batewah game, block of wood which resembles firewood replaces sacrifice object (buffalo). In order to wreck the woods, each player will throw sticks. However, magic/religious elements are absent in this game.  

2. Players

Batewah game requires at least three people; a player acts as jaga/pasang (keeper) and two others as penewah (hiders). Maximum amount of players is eight people. The game is equally played by men and women.

3. Place and Tools

House yard or spacious land is the best place for the game for minimizing the hazard. Tools needed for the game is very simple. Several wooden sticks, 30 cm in length and 3 cm in width, which is arranged in symmetrical order serves as target point of tewah (throw). Piece of woods is used as undas (tool) to throw at sticks. The space between tewah and undas is four meters minimum.

4. Rule and Process of the Game

A player in jaga position will set up the wooden sticks and others who act as penewah (hiders) will try to spoil them. The Penewah then hide while the jaga sets up the wooden sticks again and tries to find out the penewah. First penewah who is found will replace the jaga and the same is repeated. The Jaga is responsible for setting up and seeking the hiders while penewah for spoiling the wooden sticks and hiding. Since there is no winner or loser, this game will terminate if the players feeling tired.          

5. Cultural Value

Adroitness and fairness value are embedded in this game as the players are demanded to spoil the wooden sticks in relatively short time and to replace the jaga if they are cough.  

Sources :

1. Anak Sultan, 29 Maret 2007
2. www.kerajaanbanjar.wordpress.com

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