Week 6 Materials

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Paraga is a traditional game which is also a combination of sports and traditional arts from Makassar, South Sulawesi. The traditional game of Sepak Raga, which involves foot-based combat, is referred to as “Ma'raga '' in the Bugis society. This game is different from the other traditional sport game which is aiming for a competition, Paraga is just played for an attraction to show the skill of the player.

​PARAGA; Traditional Game

A story that was passed down through generations in Kaemba Maros society tells a story about the origin of Paraga. It is believed that Paraga appeared in a village called Ujung Bulo, a paraga village in Kaemba Maros. This village was visited by the KIng (Karaeng) of the Kingdom of Gowa, who spread Islam and brought traditional musical instruments like the gong and the drum (Ganrang). Consequently, Paraga perfromances are now accompanied by these instruments rather than the ususal movements that they were previously. In addition, it has been revealed that Paraga was used to introduced Islam to Kaemba ever since.

In south sulawesi, Paraga is still played until today. It is frequently played at a cultural ceremonies/festivals and wedding parties particularly in the region of Gowa, Maros, and Makassar. Moreover, it is also held at the international level to represent South Sulawesi. In addition, the Islamic tradition is still strongly associated with the Paraga game's attractions to this day. Whenever players participated in a Paraga attraction they frequently said "Laillahaillahllah"