Bali is home to many cultural heritages and unique traditions that have been preserved through generations. One of these is the Megoak-Goakan tradition, celebrated in Buleleng.
Originating from Panji Village in Sukasada District, this traditional game was initially played by children and is inspired by the hunting behavior of a raven (goak) targeting its prey.
In today’s modern era, where traditional games are often abandoned by younger generations, Megoak-Goakan remains a cherished tradition, played mostly by young adults in Panji Village.
The Megoak-Goakan tradition in Panji Village is held annually to honor the legacy of King Ki Barak Panji Sakti.
During the reign of the Buleleng Kingdom, Ki Barak Panji Sakti was known as a wise and powerful ruler with exceptional leadership qualities.
His name is well known among the Balinese people, especially those in Buleleng.
He was the founder of the Buleleng Kingdom in the 1660s and was believed to have mystical powers.
It was Ki Barak Panji Sakti who first conceived the idea of the Megoak-Goakan tradition.
The inspiration for this game came to the king while observing a raven hunting its prey. He was captivated by the bird’s strategic movements and decided to incorporate this tactic into a game.
Thus, Megoak-Goakan was created, and it has since become a tradition performed annually by the residents of Panji Village, particularly a day after the Balinese Hindu New Year, Nyepi. The game has even been officially recognized as part of Buleleng’s cultural heritage.
Initially, King Ki Barak Panji Sakti introduced the Megoak-Goakan game to his soldiers.
Before playing, he made an agreement with them: if he won the game, his soldiers had to fulfill his requests.
The soldiers accepted the challenge, and with his agility and cleverness as the ‘head of the raven,’ the king managed to capture the last person in the opponent’s formation, securing his victory.
After winning the game, the king commanded his soldiers to conquer Blambangan, a region under the rule of the Jagaraga Kingdom.
This led to a war between the Buleleng and Jagaraga Kingdoms, ultimately resulting in Blambangan falling under Buleleng’s control.
From its origins, Megoak-Goakan was more than just a game; it was a strategic training exercise designed to build morale and readiness among soldiers before facing their enemies.
To honor and commemorate Ki Barak Panji Sakti’s heroism, the people of Panji Village have continued to preserve and perform the Megoak-Goakan tradition.
Megoak-Goakan is a testament to Bali’s rich cultural heritage, demonstrating the island’s dedication to preserving its traditions.
This traditional folk game, unique to Panji Village, is typically performed in the days leading up to Nyepi.
The name Megoak-Goakan is derived from ‘goak’ (raven), inspired by the bird’s hunting technique.
The game reenacts the heroic journey of Ki Barak Panji Sakti, a legendary Buleleng warrior who conquered Blambangan in East Java.
The tradition of Megoak-Goakan has been consistently maintained and passed down through generations.
The celebration fosters a strong sense of community and joy among the participants and spectators.
Despite the challenges posed by the uneven playing ground, the enthusiasm and spirit of the villagers remain undeterred.
Participants who finish their game can either go home or stay to watch others play.
The game consists of two teams, each with 11 players, competing against each other.
To ensure fair play, the competition is overseen by local security officers known as pecalang.
Symbolically, the game represents the balance of purusa and pradana (masculine and feminine energies).
The winning team is determined when one group successfully captures the ‘tail’—the last person in the opposing formation. (BT)
