The Eastasouth Journal of Learning and Educations
Vol. 4 No. 01 (2026): The Eastasouth Journal of Learning and Educations (ESLE)

Traditional Games “Boy-Boyan” and “Bebentengan” in Facilitating Social Skills in Elementary School: An Analysis

Rinaldi Yusup (Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program, Universitas Nusa Putra, Sukabumi)
Zaenal Abidin (Universitas Negri Surabaya)
Kalfajrin Kurniaji (Universitas Isalam Selangor)
Fajar Romadhon (STAI Syaid Sabiq Indramayu)
Asti Fuji Astuti (Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program, Universitas Nusa Putra, Sukabumi)
Ucu Agustini Sri Mulyani (Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program, Universitas Nusa Putra, Sukabumi)
Sajidin Sajidin (Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program, Universitas Nusa Putra, Sukabumi)
Irfan Sofiyan (Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program, Universitas Nusa Putra, Sukabumi)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Traditional games are one of the cultural heritages that contain educational and social values for children’s development. However, technological advancement has caused traditional games to gradually be abandoned and replaced by digital games that tend to reduce direct social interaction. This study aimed to describe the role of traditional games boy-boyan and bebentengan in facilitating the social skills of elementary school students. The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive ethnographic design to examine the phenomenon of students’ cultural interactions. The research subjects were fifth-grade students at SDN 1 Kebonpedes. Data collection techniques were conducted through observation, interviews, documentation, and literature studies. The findings revealed that the boy-boyan game was highly effective in facilitating children’s social skills. Children were required to demonstrate cooperation and effective communication when determining tasks, arranging roof tiles, and throwing the ball. Meanwhile, the bebentengan game also effectively facilitated children’s social skills because the players were encouraged to cooperate and communicate while guarding the fortress, capturing opponents, and avoiding enemy attacks. Traditional games help students learn to resolve conflicts fairly and develop positive social relationships with peers, which can serve as an adaptive alternative for character education in elementary schools.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

esle

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

ESLE - The Eastasouth Journal of Learning and Educations is a peer-reviewed journal and open access three times a year (March, July and November) published by Eastasouth Institute. ESLE aims to publish articles in the field of Education policy, Curriculum and learning, Educational technology, ...