By: Adrian Permana (Volunteer Bumi Panda) and Natalia Trita Agnika

For the 90s generation, cricket may be a common game to fill the playtime. This game that can be found in various regions, even in various countries is very easy to do. Besides being fun, it also makes children socialize with their friends and do physical exercise.

In an effort to spread the conservation message to children, Panda Mobile adopted the game. However, WWF-Indonesia's environmental education truck packs it into a special cricket game. The game is not just ordinary cricket but educational. A large pedestal is painted with boxes and information according to the theme of the animal that decorates it, for example the theme of orangutans, tigers, or elephants. Interesting animal pictures make children more interested.

Taking turns, the children throw the giant dice at the cricket boxes numbered 1 to 8. The player who throws the dice will read out facts about the animals according to the cricket theme. The game was guided by a sister facilitator who explained more about the information. Most of the children had never played the game so they were very enthusiastic. One example is the students from Widuri Kindergarten and Elementary School and other elementary schools (Baleh Pertiwi Elementary School, Pasir Paros Elementary School, Mekarsari Elementary School, Korpri 1, Korpri 2, Korpri 3, Anak Bintang Kindergarten) who joined the WWF-Indonesia Mobile Panda visit in Bandung on Thursday (07/28/2016).

On that day, the theme of the cricket game was the theme of orangutan. Through the game, they learned about what orangutans eat, the differences between Sumatran and Bornean orangutans, and the role of orangutans in the ecosystem. Not only that, through this game, they learned that orangutans also help new trees grow. Through their frequent behavior of breaking tree branches and picking up leaves when eating or making nests, the top of the tree becomes exposed. This allows sunlight to reach the ground. Small trees will also get sunlight and grow quickly. The students were very impressed because the game of engklek is very rarely practiced. Indirectly, through this game they are also invited to preserve traditional games.

In addition to the cricket game, around 450 students who participated in the Panda Mobile activity also received conservation messages through storytelling. The story of "Poachers, Orangutans and Tigers" made them love these protected animals even more. The interesting and funny storytelling made them immersed in the story. Hopefully, they will get to know and love orangutans, the only great ape in the Asian region.

The children have gotten to know orangutans better and have developed a sense of protecting and preserving them through a green lifestyle. How about you?

Let us also become Friends of Orangutans.

HAPPY WORLD ORANGUTAN DAY!