Geudeu-Geudeu: Traditional Sport of Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

Geudeu-Geudeu is a traditional martial art and sport originating from the Pidie and Pidie Jaya regencies of Aceh, Indonesia. Combining elements of wrestling, teamwork, and ritual, Geudeu-Geudeu serves not only as a test of physical strength and endurance but also as a medium for reinforcing social bonds, cultural identity, and spiritual resilience among Acehnese communities. This article synthesizes historical accounts, field observations, and recent academic studies to provide a comprehensive overview of Geudeu-Geudeu’s origins, rules, cultural significance, and contemporary adaptations.

1. Introduction

Traditional sports often encapsulate the values, history, and social structures of their communities. In Aceh, Geudeu-Geudeu stands out as a dynamic example of how martial practice and communal celebration intertwine. Although less widely known than pencak silat, Geudeu-Geudeu remains deeply rooted in Acehnese agrarian life, emerging from seasonal festivities and local defense training.

2. Historical Background

Oral traditions trace Geudeu-Geudeu to pre-colonial Aceh, where it was used to train young men in combat readiness and endurance. Historically, matches were held during post-harvest festivals—known locally as blang—when villages gathered to celebrate communal prosperity and gratitude for the rice harvest. Over time, Geudeu-Geudeu evolved from purely martial drills into a formalized competition between village teams, preserving elements of ritual challenge and public spectacle.

3. Rules and Gameplay

• Team Composition: Each side fields three fighters.
• Match Structure: A round pits one fighter against two opponents for a set time, then roles reverse, ensuring each team member faces multiple adversaries.
• Winning: Rather than a points system, victory is claimed by the last standing fighter or when the opposing team concedes. Prizes are symbolic—honor, social prestige, and communal esteem—rather than material.
• Safety and Modifications: A 2022 study applied the ADDIE framework to propose rule modifications—such as time limits, referee interventions, and protective gear—to reduce injury risk while maintaining the sport’s intensity. In surveys, over 96% of youth and coaches supported these adjustments to preserve Geudeu-Geudeu in the modern era.

4. Cultural Significance

Geudeu-Geudeu functions as more than physical contest; it embodies Acehnese values of fortitude, solidarity, and respect for communal hierarchy. During matches, villagers accompany fighters as vocal supporters, testing competitors’ mental resilience. Elders view the spectacle as a rite of passage, cementing alliances between families and neighboring hamlets. The game’s exclusivity—traditionally male-only—reflects historical gender roles, though recent initiatives encourage broader participation to ensure cultural transmission.

5. Contemporary Developments

Efforts to document, standardize, and promote Geudeu-Geudeu have intensified over the past decade. Local universities have published theses and modules on training methods, while regional cultural offices organize annual tournaments alongside other Acehnese arts. Rule standardization, advocated by coaches like Naimatul Jamaliah and Edi Safwan, seeks to make the sport accessible in schools and public festivals without compromising its traditional spirit.

6. Conclusion

Geudeu-Geudeu remains a living tradition that bridges Aceh’s past and present. By balancing authenticity with adaptive safety measures, communities can sustain this vigorous martial art as both a competitive sport and a vessel of cultural heritage. Continued research, inclusive outreach, and institutional support will be key to ensuring that Geudeu-Geudeu thrives for generations to come.

References:

1. Traditional Games from Aceh – Indonesia ‘Geudeue-Geudeue’, Scorum.com.
2. Unique Traditional Sports in Indonesia – Geudeu-Geudeu, IndonesiaExpat.id.
3. Edi Safwan, Naimatul Jamaliah, Zulfikri, “Preservation of Traditional Sports of Geudeu-Geudeu Wrestling With Modification of Match Rules in the Pidie Jaya Community of Aceh,” Journal Coaching Education Sports, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 165–170 (2022).

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