Traditional Indonesian games have become an innovative medium for introducing the Indonesian language and culture to international learners. Through an educational and cultural outreach program in Vietnam, lecturers and students from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) demonstrated how traditional games can serve as an engaging bridge for strengthening Indonesian language learning while promoting Indonesia's rich cultural heritage.

The program was conducted as part of UNY’s commitment to supporting the internationalization of the Indonesian language through Bahasa Indonesia for Speakers of Other Languages (BIPA). By integrating language instruction with cultural experiences, participants were able to learn Indonesian vocabulary and expressions in an interactive and enjoyable environment. The activities also encouraged cross-cultural understanding and strengthened educational cooperation between Indonesia and Vietnam.

During the program, participants were introduced to a variety of Indonesian traditional games, including engklek, congklak, gobak sodor, and several other games that emphasize teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking. Rather than serving merely as recreational activities, these games became practical learning tools through which participants practiced speaking Indonesian, followed instructions, and interacted naturally with one another.

According to the organizing team, traditional games provide a contextual learning experience that makes language acquisition more meaningful. Learning takes place not only in the classroom but also through direct participation in cultural activities, allowing students to better understand Indonesian values such as mutual cooperation (gotong royong), respect, fairness, and togetherness.

The Vietnamese participants showed great enthusiasm throughout the activities. They actively engaged in the games, learned new Indonesian vocabulary, and expressed interest in exploring Indonesian culture more deeply. The interactive approach created a lively learning atmosphere and increased participants' confidence in communicating in Indonesian.

The program also served as a platform for strengthening educational and cultural collaboration between UNY and partner institutions in Vietnam. Through initiatives such as this, UNY continues to expand the global presence of the Indonesian language while promoting cultural diplomacy through education.

The organizing team emphasized that the internationalization of the Indonesian language requires innovative learning methods that are both enjoyable and culturally relevant. Traditional games represent one such approach, enabling learners to experience Indonesian culture firsthand while developing their language skills in a natural setting.

This initiative supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 4 – Quality Education SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

By combining language learning with traditional cultural activities, UNY demonstrates that education can serve as a powerful instrument for fostering international understanding, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening global partnerships.