Semarang, June 3, 2025 — In an effort to instill character values and reduce children’s dependence on gadgets, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) through the UNNES Conservation Subdirectorate held the 2025 Children’s Play Festival on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Prof. Soegijono Sports Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Science UNNES.
This festival is part of UNNES’ commitment as a conservation campus that cares about preserving local culture and character education for the younger generation. The event was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Zaenuri, M.Sc., Akt., who conveyed the importance of fostering a spirit of togetherness and noble values through traditional games.
“Children today are increasingly familiar with gadgets, but increasingly distant from social interactions that shape character. Through this festival, we want to revive these values in a fun atmosphere,” said Prof. Zaenuri.
Various traditional game competitions also enlivened this event, including: Egrang, Lari Balok, Gobak Sodor, Bakiak, and Plinthengan. Participants came from 10 Elementary Schools throughout Semarang City, namely:
SDN Sadeng 03
SDN Polaman
SDN Ngaliyan 05
SDN Patemon 02
SDN Kalisegoro
SDN Ngijo 01
SDN Nongkosawit 01
SDN Sadeng 02
SDN Pesantren
SDN Pakintelan 02
After going through various competitions that took place with high enthusiasm and sportsmanship, SDN Pakintelan 02 emerged as the Overall Champion, proving its superiority in compactness and dexterity in playing traditional games.
This activity was enthusiastically welcomed by participants, teachers, and parents. Many parties hope that festivals like this will continue to be held periodically as a real form of cultural conservation and character building for children through fun and educational activities.
