Deputy Minister of Comdigi: Traditional egrang games support children's emotional intelligence

Traditional egrang games and dances are not merely cultural heritage but also a meaningful medium for character education. Jember, East Java (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital (Wamen Komdigi) Nezar Patria stated that the traditional egrang game can support children’s emotional intelligence amid the influx of digital games in the virtual world. “The Egrang Festival initiated by the Tanoker community is not just an annual ceremony, but a symbol of positive resistance against the negative impacts of modernity in the digital era,” he said during his speech at the launch of the 14th Egrang Festival in Ledokombo Subdistrict, Jember Regency, East Java, on Saturday. The Deputy Minister’s entourage was warmly welcomed by the Tanoker group with the placement of yellow coconut leaves on their heads and enlivened by a dance performance using egrang. According to Nezar, the continuation of the Egrang Festival to its 14th year demonstrates the growing social strength within the community in Ledokombo Subdistrict, Jember Regency. He stated that traditional games like egrang hold important social and character education values amid the massive digital activities of children. “They are already accustomed to playing games in the digital world, and the egrang game serves as a good counterbalance. Children learn to maintain balance, collaborate, and have the spirit to rise again when they fall,” he explained. Nezar assessed that the traditional egrang game is highly relevant for children amid the strong current of digitalisation today. Children are seen to need play spaces that can sharpen their emotional intelligence. He explained that when playing egrang, if they fall, they get up again and achieve good balance, thus building a positive mental attitude for the younger generation ahead. He also appreciated Tanoker’s consistency along with the community in Ledokombo Subdistrict in preserving local culture and maintaining the traditional game. Meanwhile, Acting Secretary of Jember Regency Akhmad Helmy Luqman stated that the Egrang Festival is proof that traditions never lose their relevance. “Egrang games and dances are not merely cultural heritage, but also a medium for character education rich in meaning,” he said. He added that the egrang game teaches balance, courage, perseverance, focus, sportsmanship, and cooperation, making these values important for building an excellent young generation of Indonesia.