Page 53 - katalog

2. Pletokan

Pletokan is the name of a bamboo toy gun with bullets made of moistened paper, water
apple, or flower seeds. This game is popular among the Betawi people. However, the
same game is played in Lanny Jaya, one of Papua’s regions, though with a different type
of bamboo. Pletokan, also know as “Bum Bere” in Lani’s language, is a bamboo-based
game similar to a shotgun. Wet paper rolled into a small ball is used to make the bullet.
Some people even use water apple seeds as bullets.

Pletokan game rules clearly state that if a player is shot three times in a row, the player is
considered lost. The game will end when all members of one group have been shot. The
group that survives will be declared the winner.

This traditional game teaches children the importance of teamwork while also
developing strategies for victory. Furthermore, this game teaches children to plan and
build strategies in groups to realize common desires, and when problems arise, they can
solve the problems with their friends.