Sunda Manda, Indonesia’s Traditional Hopscotch Game

Long before smartphones and digital games became popular, children in Indonesia often spent their afternoons playing traditional outdoor games. One of the most popular was sunda manda, a hopping game similar to hopscotch that combines fun, balance, and agility.

Sunda manda is believed to have originated from a Dutch game called zondag maandag before being adapted into local culture and language. Over time, the game spread across Indonesia and became known by many names such as engklek, dampu, ciplak gunung, and loncat kodok.

The game is played on a series of squares drawn on the ground, usually forming a mountain-like or cross-shaped pattern. Players must hop through the squares using one foot while maintaining balance. A small flat stone or tile fragment, commonly called gacok or era, is used as a marker during the game.

Sunda manda became especially popular among young girls, although boys also played it in many regions. The game can be played almost anywhere, whether in a yard, school field, or open space.

One reason why the game remained popular for generations is its simplicity. Children only need chalk or pieces of brick to draw the playing field, making it an inexpensive and accessible form of entertainment.

Beyond fun, sunda manda also helps children develop physical coordination, concentration, balance, and motor skills. Since players take turns, the game naturally teaches patience, fairness, and sportsmanship.

Today, traditional games like sunda manda are becoming less common as children spend more time with modern technology and digital entertainment. Even so, the game remains an important cultural heritage that reflects creativity, physical activity, and social interaction among children.

Preserving games like sunda manda means preserving a joyful part of Indonesia’s childhood traditions and cultural identity.