Traditional games and public health: a sociocultural review of Indonesian perspectives

Introduction: Modernization, digital lifestyles, and urban pressures have reduced the practice of traditional games in Indonesia, raising concerns regarding decreased physical activity and weakened cultural continuity. This review aims to analyze the sociocultural meanings and public health contributions of Indonesian traditional games within a contemporary social context. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted on peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025 that examined Indonesian traditional games. Studies indexed in major academic databases were reviewed and analyzed using perspectives from sports science, anthropology, and health promotion. Results: The findings show that traditional games contribute to physical fitness, motor development, emotional balance, and mental well-being. At the same time, they function as culturally embedded platforms that strengthen social cohesion, moral learning, identity formation, and intergenerational relationships. This review offers an integrative sociocultural–public health perspective that positions traditional games not merely as recreational activities, but as culturally grounded public health resources. Conclusions: Indonesian traditional games hold dual value as tools of cultural resilience and as promotors of active, healthy lifestyles. Their integration into physical education and community-based health programs represents a culturally sustainable strategy for improving public health. Further research is recommended to explore policy development and adaptive implementation of traditional games in urban and digital environments.