Traditional Bamboo Roller Coaster in Indonesian Village Goes Viral

Traditional Bamboo Roller Coaster in Indonesian Village Goes Viral

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A traditional village game from West Java has captured online attention after a video of it circulated widely on social media.

The footage shows a convoy of children riding lori-lorian, a bamboo-based slide game, in Ciherang Hamlet, Cihaurkuning Village, Malangbong District, Garut Regency.

The video was uploaded to Instagram by @danangzedchanel and shows children taking turns riding the simple bamboo structure along a sloping track. The atmosphere is lively and relaxed, with laughter replacing the usual sounds of traffic and city life.

The clip presents a moment of shared play that feels far removed from modern digital distractions. Children gather, wait their turn, and cheer each other on.

For many viewers, the scene offers a reminder of slower-paced childhood games that rely on creativity rather than technology.

The uploader described the moment as a brief escape from daily noise, replaced by simple joy and togetherness. The game, played outdoors and made entirely from natural materials, reflects a way of life that still exists in some rural communities.

Lori-lorian is preserved by villagers as part of local culture. It is also seen as environmentally friendly, as all materials come from nearby natural resources.

 

Lihat postingan ini di Instagram

 

Sebuah kiriman dibagikan oleh Plan B (@planb.sg)

An Old Game Finds New Attention Online

Lori-lorian is not a new invention. It is a traditional toy that has been passed down through generations in parts of West Java, including Garut Regency.

The structure consists of a bamboo board used as a seat or slide, while the track is made from stacked wooden logs, often taken from sugar palm, or aren, branches.

To play, villagers build a simple rail system from an uphill point to a downhill slope. Players sit or lie on the bamboo board and slide down the track. The game can be played alone or in groups, with participants taking turns.

Residents in Malangbong say the game has existed since at least the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, and possibly earlier. For many Sundanese viewers, seeing lori-lorian again has stirred memories of childhood. Others, particularly city residents, admitted they had never seen the game before and were curious to try it.

The renewed interest has made lori-lorian popular again, especially among children. Some villagers say children become so absorbed in playing that they lose track of time until the sound of the Maghrib drum signals evening.

The materials used in lori-lorian also reflect the surrounding environment. Aren, or kawung, trees are commonly found in areas with preserved natural conditions. Villages where lori-lorian exists often also produce palm sugar and cangkleng, both derived from the aren tree.

As the video continues to circulate, lori-lorian has become more than just a game. It has turned into a reminder of how traditional play, community involvement, and natural surroundings remain closely linked in many Indonesian villages.

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Imelda is a content writer specializing in viral news and Indonesian culture. Her work revolves around researching and analyzing current events, social media trends, and popular culture.

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