Page 52 - katalog

1. Tali Merdeka

Tali Merdeka is a jump rope game in which players jump over rubber rope. It has obstacles
of varying heights that are measured by the players body holding the rope stretch.
Originally, this jumping rope had been played by Dutch children in during the Dutch
colonialization in Indonesia. Children in Tolikara Regency also enjoy playing Tali
Merdeka, or jumping rope. The name of the game refers to what the players should do in
that game, especially in the final leap. Two people lift the rope above their heads with their
fists. Then, they will say ‘Merdeka’.

This game could be played by a large number of people, the more the merrier, and it is
played in two groups. To evenly divide into two groups, each player must do “hom-pim-
pa’. The “hom-pim-pa” will be sung into a complete lyric, “Hompimpa Alaium Gambreng”
which means from God back to God, let’s play. It was derived from Sanskrit language
during Hindu-Buddhist era. Following the division of the groups, the leaders of each group
must do “rock-paper-scissors” to determine which group will play the first.

The Tali Merdeka game has several stages and the level difficulties will increase as the
stages progress. The stages are described below:
1. Place the strap parallel to the sole (above ground floor).
2. Knee the strap
3. The rope is about waist-length
4. Strap at chest level
5. Ear-high strap
6. High rope on the head
7. The length of the rope is only one-inch above the head
8. The rope is only two inches above the head
9. The rope is at its highest position

Tali Merdeka has the following rules:
1. Number of players should be between 3 and 10 people.
2. During the initial stages of the jump, the ground should not come into contact with the
rubber from the waist up.
3. When handling the rubber, do not tiptoe.
4. If there are group members who cannot jump, they will be assisted or replaced by
another friend who can. If a friend who assists you is unable to do so, take turns holding
it.
5. If you win, take turns with the person who has it.

It is clear from playing Tali Merdeka that the process has a variety of moral
values. This game educates children about friendship, honesty, leadership,
responsibility, a positive attitude, and obedience.