Every year on Aug. 17, Indonesians celebrate Independence Day with flag-raising ceremonies, community gatherings, and one of the country’s most beloved traditions: lomba 17-an, or Independence Day games.

Organized by neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and local communities, these friendly competitions bring people of all ages together while promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and community spirit.

From eating crackers without using their hands to climbing a greased pole, the games can be messy, competitive, and often hilarious. Here are 10 of the most popular traditional games played across Indonesia during Independence Day celebrations.

1. Cracker Eating Contest (Makan Kerupuk)

One of the most iconic Indonesian Independence Day games is the makan kerupuk, or cracker-eating contest.

Large crackers are suspended from strings while participants stand with their hands tied behind their backs. Using only their mouths, they must bite and finish the swinging cracker.

The first person to finish the entire cracker wins.

2. Gunny Sack Race (Balap Karung)

The balap karung, or gunny sack race, is a classic Independence Day competition. Participants step into large sacks pulled up to their waists and hop toward the finish line after the starting signal.

Players must keep both feet inside the sack throughout the race. Depending on the rules, stepping out of the sack can result in disqualification.

The first participant to reach the finish line wins.

3. Wooden Clog Race (Balap Bakiak)

The balap bakiak is a team race that requires three or more participants to stand on oversized wooden clogs fitted with shared foot straps.

The challenge is less about speed than coordination. Team members must synchronize their movements and take every step together while maintaining their balance.

The first team to reach the finish line without falling wins.

4. Greasy Pole Climbing (Panjat Pinang)

Perhaps the most famous Independence Day competition, panjat pinang involves teams attempting to climb a tall pole coated with grease, oil or soap.

Participants work together to form a human tower and reach the top, where prizes such as bicycles, electronics and household appliances are typically hung.

The game requires strength, balance and teamwork — and usually ends with plenty of laughter as participants slide back down the slippery pole.

5. Tug of War (Tarik Tambang)

Tarik tambang, or tug of war, pits two teams against each other in a test of strength and coordination.

The teams pull opposite ends of a sturdy rope, usually with a marker at the center. When the competition begins, both sides pull toward their respective boundaries.

The winner is the team that manages to pull the center marker across the opposing team's boundary line.

6. Marble and Spoon Race (Lomba Kelereng Sendok)

In the lomba kelereng sendok, participants balance a marble on a spoon while making their way to the finish line. Depending on the rules, the spoon may be held in the participant's hand or mouth.

If the marble falls, participants may have to restart or replace the marble before continuing.

The winner is the first person to cross the finish line while successfully completing the course.

7. Stilt Walking Race (Balap Egrang)

The balap egrang is a race using traditional bamboo stilts. Participants navigate a designated course while balancing on the stilts and moving toward the finish line.

The first person to finish without falling is generally declared the winner, although rules can vary between competitions.

The game tests balance, coordination and concentration — especially when participants are racing against each other.

8. Pillow Fight (Gebuk Bantal)

Gebuk bantal, or pillow fighting, is a crowd favorite that combines balance and friendly competition.

Two participants sit on a slippery bamboo pole suspended above a river, pond or pool. Armed with pillows, they try to knock each other into the water.

The player who remains on the pole while their opponent falls wins.

9. Eel Catching Contest (Tangkap Belut)

The tangkap belut, or eel-catching contest, is one of the slipperiest challenges found at Independence Day celebrations.

Participants attempt to transfer live eels from one container to another using their bare hands. The containers may be placed several meters apart, making the task even more difficult.

Depending on the rules, the winner is either the participant who transfers the most eels or the person who completes the challenge in the shortest time.

10. Pencil-in-a-Bottle Challenge 

In this game, a pencil is tied to a string fastened around the participant's waist, allowing it to hang behind them.

Standing with their back to a bottle placed on the ground, participants must squat or bend carefully to guide the dangling pencil into the bottle without using their hands.

The fastest participant to get the pencil into the bottle wins.

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