Isutan Jarat Game (South Kalimantan, Indonesia)

1. Origin

Isutan Jarat is the folk game which originates and proliferates in South Kalimantan. Isutan Jarat is derived from two words; ‘usutan‘ which signifies “search” and ‘jarat‘ which means in local dialect a folded even rope used for entrapping or tying (lasso in America). When these two words are put together, it carries a connotation of "searching for a folded rope”. Each player is trying to locate jarat which were buried in sand. It is performed by means of rib/wood/bamboo stuck on the sand where the jarat is assumed to be.     

2. Players

This game is generally played in a large field with at least two participants and maximum four. It is rare to be played by more than that. The participants are divided into two; pasang (who set up the jarat) and naik (who perform the search of jarat).

3. Place and Tools

This game is usually played in riverbanks when the water surface is dropping or in sandy field. As this game has nothing to do with certain ceremony or occasion, people play the game after noon or before taking bath in the river. Tools used here is a rope (for jarat) made from banana tree fiber and bamboo stick or wood with sharpened end. Its length is not more than an arm.

4. Rules and Process of the Game

Isutan Jarat is divided into two steps; hiding the jarat and searching the jarat. In the first step, each participant finds location to bury the jarat and devises different ways for putting the jarat out of sight. For example, a player makes last part of the jarat in the form of zigzag to deceive other participants.

The second step is deciding the first person who will find out the buried jarat. Afterwards, the person will stick the wood to the sand and followed by others. Then, the rope is tugged to know who succeeds in finding the location of the jarat

5. Cultural Value

This game offers an educational value of both accuracy and sportive (integrity). Accuracy is reflected in player‘s speculation of jarat location and value of integrity reflected in his honesty in hiding the jarat. In this context, each player is not allowed to spy on other participants and set up the jarat in on the spot where all have agreed.

Source

1. Anak Sultan
2. www.kerajaanbanjar.wordpress.com

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