Junior High Students Performed Theatrical Show as Their Final Kokurikuler Project

Kania and her [living] dolls (sc: rome)

Salatiga, May 8, 2026.

SMP Kristen Satya Wacana Students performed Dolanan Bocah, a theatrical performance at the Recital Hall of Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana today. The show marked the eight graders’ kokurikuler final project and aimed to highlight Indonesia’s traditional games in the rise of digial entertainment.

The play started with Kania, a junior high school student at SMP Kristen Satya Wacana, waking up to start another day at school. But today seems a bit different since it shows her friends parting into groups; students who kept watching and doing tiktok dances, students who play mobile games all the time, and students who embrace traditional dances and games. The climax brought all groups together in the game ular naga, with the audience invited to join. As Kania — the main cast of the play — stated in the interview,

“Jangan terlalu fokus dengan yang modern-modern aja, tetapi juga harus melestarikan permainan-permainan tradisional juga,”

emphasizing the cultural message of the performance.

Students playing ‘gobak sodor’ (sc: rome)

Students involved described both challenges and lessons learned. Risa, a ninth grader who joined as a singer, admitted initial struggles coordinating with her team but said the experience taught her communication and humility.

“Aku punya impian main drama, cuma mungkin Tuhan belum berkati, jadi aku main musik,”

she explained, adding that she hopes for more theatrical performances in the future.

a ‘fight’ between the ‘modern lovers’ and ‘traditional embracers’ (sc: rome)

Fiona, an eighth grader, noted difficulties memorizing the script but valued the chance to play traditional games during rehearsals.

“Pas tampil tadi pokoknya ada yang nonton salah satunya waktu SD aku ga suka … Ya gapapa, kan dia cuma nonton,”

she said, reflecting on overcoming stage fright.

Kania and her friends playing ‘cublak cublak suweng’ (sc: rome)

For Kania, who had never acted before, the role was a new opportunity.

“Aku seneng banget karena diberi kesempatan dan kepercayaan jadi Main Character, aku bisa belajar juga buat acting, belajar perform, aku seneng dan bangga banget,”

she said. The cast rehearsed intensively in the week leading up to the show, taking only one day off.

Students playing ular naga with audiences (sc: rome)

Students who performed in Dolanan Bocah stated that the show was designed to remind audiences of the richness of Indonesia’s traditional games. Students expressed hope that the performance would inspire future projects and strengthen cultural preservation efforts at SMP Kristen Satya Wacana.

Written & Edited by rome on Medium.com