Pasar Slumpring, located in Cempaka Village, Bumijawa District, Tegal Regency, now features a new attraction with the official launch of a Children’s Play Zone by the Community Service Team of Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) on Sunday, August 31st. The inauguration was symbolized by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Abdul Khayyi, S.E., Head of the Village Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), witnessed by the local military commander (Danramil), the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Pancasakti Tegal, and market visitors. This play zone is expected to enrich the tourism offerings of Pasar Slumpring, transforming it into not only a traditional culinary center but also an educational recreational space for children.
Dr. Kuncoro Bayu Prasetyo, S.Ant., M.A., head of the UNNES team, stated that this initiative is a strategic effort to support education-based tourism development.
“We hope that this children’s play zone adds value and diversifies attractions at Pasar Slumpring. Visitors will not only enjoy traditional food but can also play while learning. This is also part of our effort to conserve traditional games in society,” he said.
The activity was carried out by the Community Service Team from the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) UNNES, including Dr. R. Soeharso, M.Pd. and Hany Nurpratiwi, M.Pd.
Abdul Khayyi, S.E., Head of Pokdarwis, also expressed his appreciation:
“We are very grateful to the UNNES Team. We truly need the academic community to bring fresh ideas for the development of Pasar Slumpring. Our team was very enthusiastic in building this play zone, from constructing the bridge to the playground to making the traditional game equipment.”
Local members like Dedi Arif and Hidayatullah also played active roles in building the facility.
The featured traditional games are primarily bamboo-based, including rangku alu, egrang, gobak sodor, among others. As a guide, the UNNES team prepared a book titled “Practical Guide to Bamboo Games: Traditional Play Zone at Pasar Slumpring,” accessible through QR codes displayed around the play zone.
This initiative not only enhances the tourist experience but also serves to preserve local cultural heritage by reintroducing traditional games that are rarely seen today. The play area is designed to attract family tourists, provide educational experiences, and strengthen the village-based creative economy.
The initiative makes a significant contribution to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): by introducing traditional games as educational tools,
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): through the development of local tourism,
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): by managing inclusive public spaces.
Through collaboration between higher education and the community, Pasar Slumpring is now more ready to become a model of sustainable tourism, showcasing local wisdom and empowering village communities.
