TRADITIONAL GAMES AS MATERIAL FOR CHILDREN'S STORIES: A CULTURAL CONSERVATION STRATEGY FOR INTANGIBLE FOLKLORE

Abstract

Traditional games are an integral part of intangible folklore that reflect cultural values, local wisdom, and the social dynamics of past generations. However, globalization and shifting patterns of children’s entertainment have contributed to the marginalization—and even disappearance—of these traditional games. This article aims to explore the potential of traditional games as narrative material for children's literature as a means to conserve intangible folklore through a literary and cultural literacy approach. Employing a qualitative-descriptive method based on literature review, this study analyzes various traditional Indonesian games—such as engklek, gobak sodor, congklak, and hide-and-seek—and their narrative potential in child-centered fictional stories. The findings indicate that traditional games possess rich narrative and symbolic elements that can be developed into children’s stories with strong educational and cultural value. Incorporating traditional games into children's literature not only reintroduces cultural heritage to younger generations but also reinforces cultural identity and social values such as cooperation, fairness, and perseverance. Thus, children's stories based on traditional games can serve as a creative and sustainable literary strategy for preserving intangible cultural heritage. The article recommends collaboration between writers, educators, and cultural practitioners to produce children’s literary works that are both engaging and effective in cultural conservation.