Foreign tourists joined local residents in traditional games at Legian Beach, celebrating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day while experiencing the country’s culture of togetherness and gotong royong.
A number of foreign tourists enthusiastically participated in competitions commemorating the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia on Monday, the 17th of August. The events were held at Legian Beach, Kuta District, Bali, in the late afternoon.
Tourists from various countries took part in a range of contests, such as the kerupuk (cracker) eating contest, sack races, marble races, and tug-of-war. Some participants even brought their children along to join in the fun.
Peter James, an organiser from the Bali Friendship Community, explained that the Independence Day competitions were intentionally held at the beach so that everyone could watch and join in. On top of that, Legian Beach happens to be a favourite destination among international tourists.
“This afternoon [Monday, the 17th of August], we are holding a Bali Friendship Community event; we invited both members and non-members so everyone could join. These are quintessentially Indonesian games, such as the cracker-eating contest, tug-of-war, sack races, and marble races,” James said.
Moreover, according to James, through these various competitions—where foreigners and locals participate side-by-side—visitors can gain an understanding of the cultural values of togetherness and gotong royong (mutual cooperation) that characterise the Indonesian nation.
“Our international tourist friends are happy to join in and realise that the culture of togetherness and gotong royong is still very much alive in Indonesia,” he continued.
As a result, this Independence Day gathering successfully attracted nearly 100 participants. This figure far exceeded attendance at the community’s regular meetings, which usually draw only 40 to 50 people.
Jessica, a tourist from the Netherlands, took part in the full series of competitions. Although her team lost the tug-of-war, she was happy to have participated.
“I have been travelling to Indonesia since 2015, but this is the first time I’ve taken part in an Indonesian Independence Day celebration,” she said.
Similarly, another foreign tourist named Francesca—who is from the United Kingdom (UK)—also took part in the competition. This was her first time participating in an event celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day. She felt that the Independence Day celebration was a great way to learn more about Indonesian history and culture. She also made new friends at Legian Beach during the festivities.
“I’m actually not very good at those games. My favourite was probably the cracker-eating contest, because I love crackers,” she remarked.