The traditional lolorian slide in Kampung Ciherang, Malangbong, Garut, has become an international attraction, drawing foreign tourists and pumping money into the West Java village economy, Infogarut reported.
Uploads on social media and coverage by media outlets in Malaysia, Japan and Germany brought visitors from abroad, and their spending has given a major economic boost to residents of Kampung Ciherang.
A 200-Meter Slide on Palm-Leaf Rails
BBC Indonesia reported that lolorian resembles a roller coaster, running on 200-meter rails made from aren palm leaves laid along a downhill road. The hilly highland topography of Kampung Ciherang suits the sliding wooden boards. Players in second position and onward grip the back of the board ahead, forming a train-like chain; once all the cars are connected tightly, the boards slide fast across the bamboo and palm-leaf rails.
“If a lorry runs because of an engine and so on, then today’s lolorian looks for sloped areas,” said folk-games expert Zaini Alif. “They don’t need an engine — they push themselves and slide themselves.”
From 19th-Century Plantation Rails to a Village Game
Zaini Alif explained that lolorian takes its name from the Dutch word lorrie, the small carts that ran on Decauville lorry rails at 19th-century plantations. In Kampung Ciherang, the game developed after DI/TII refugees settled beneath the Staatsspoorwegen railway bridge between 1950 and 1962. The refugees stayed until they returned in 1965, after which local youths, together with Abah Koko, modified the bamboo and wooden rails to make them safer.
Abah Koko Revived the Bamboo Rails at 76
Arena initiator Abah Koko, now 76, revived the strong bamboo rails for waiting for the time to break the fast — passing the time before breaking the Ramadan fast — and to divert attention away from gadgets. “Making the rails is not in vain,” said the Kampung Ciherang elder. “There is a benefit, used by everyone.”
Abah Koko said he is concerned to see children who do not respond when greeted because they are busy on their cellphones all day.
Common Questions About the Lolorian Slide
Where did the name come from?
Folk-games expert Zaini Alif said it comes from the Dutch word lorrie, the small carts that ran on Decauville rails at 19th-century plantations.
Who revived the game in Kampung Ciherang?
Local youths and Abah Koko, now 76, modified the bamboo and wooden rails after 1965 to make them safer, Infogarut reported.