Indonesian Researchers Reveal Physics and Mathematics Hidden in Riau’s Menggelek Tobu Tradition
A traditional sugarcane-rolling practice in Riau Province, Indonesia, contains sophisticated concepts of mathematics, physics, and engineering that have been passed down through generations. A study published in 2026 in the International Journal of Contemporary Sciences (IJCS) found that the Menggelek Tobu tradition practiced by the Melayu Kuok community in Kampar Regency represents an indigenous scientific system that combines geometry, motion dynamics, energy efficiency, and social collaboration.
The research was conducted by Hanifatul Rahmi, Faizah, Mahdum, Hermandra, and Elmustian. The findings demonstrate that local cultural practices are not merely heritage activities but also valuable educational resources that can strengthen science learning and preserve indigenous knowledge.
The study is significant because many traditional practices around the world are disappearing due to modernization. At the same time, educational institutions are seeking ways to make science more relevant and meaningful for students. The Menggelek Tobu tradition offers an example of how local wisdom can bridge cultural heritage and modern scientific education.
A Cultural Tradition That Functions Like an Engineering System
Menggelek Tobu is a traditional activity in Pulau Belimbing Village, Kuok District, Kampar Regency, Riau Province. Community members collectively move and process sugarcane using large cylindrical wooden rollers called golekan.
At first glance, the activity appears to be a simple cultural tradition. However, the researchers discovered that the community has intuitively applied scientific principles that are formally taught in mathematics and physics classrooms.
The practice integrates several scientific concepts simultaneously:
- Three-dimensional geometry
- Rotational motion
- Translational motion
- Force analysis
- Mechanical efficiency
- Energy conservation
The study also highlights the importance of gotong royong, or mutual cooperation, which allows community members to coordinate their movements efficiently while reducing unnecessary energy expenditure.
How the Research Was Conducted
The researchers adopted a qualitative ethnographic approach by directly observing the Menggelek Tobu tradition in February 2026.
Data collection involved:
- Field observations
- Interviews with cultural practitioners, including local figure Mr. Syarkawi
- Documentation of traditional activities
- Mathematical and physical measurements of the rolling instrument
The researchers then compared their field findings with established mathematical and physics theories to identify scientific concepts embedded within the cultural practice.
To ensure accuracy, they applied triangulation methods and conducted member checking by presenting their interpretations back to community representatives.
Traditional Knowledge Reveals Advanced Scientific Understanding
One of the most remarkable discoveries was the precise engineering logic embedded within the design of the wooden roller.
Researchers recorded the following measurements:
- Length: 2.5 meters
- Diameter: 0.12 meters
- Radius: 0.06 meters
- Estimated mass: 5 kilograms
These dimensions allow the wooden roller to function as an efficient transportation tool.
The researchers found that one complete rotation produces a forward movement of approximately 0.377 meters.
This demonstrates that the community has long understood the relationship between object size, movement, and efficiency without relying on formal scientific education.
Rolling Is Nearly Fifteen Times More Efficient Than Dragging
The most striking finding concerns energy efficiency.
The study compared two methods of moving heavy objects:
- Rolling
- Dragging
Using established physics calculations, the researchers estimated that rolling resistance generated a force of only 0.98 Newtons.
By comparison, dragging the same object across the ground would generate approximately 14.7 Newtons of resistance.
This means the rolling method is almost fifteen times more efficient than dragging.
The finding suggests that the Melayu Kuok community developed this technique through centuries of empirical observation and practical experimentation.
Rather than accidental behavior, Menggelek Tobu represents an optimized engineering solution embedded within cultural tradition.
Local Communities Have Long Practiced Science
The researchers argue that traditional societies possess scientific reasoning that often goes unrecognized.
Their findings expand ethnomathematics beyond the identification of simple geometric patterns.
Instead, the Menggelek Tobu tradition demonstrates a complete scientific ecosystem that includes:
- Problem solving
- Mechanical design
- Mathematical modeling
- Energy optimization
- Collective decision-making
The study reinforces the idea that science is not exclusively produced in laboratories or universities.
Scientific knowledge can also emerge through continuous interaction between communities and their environments over long periods.
Implications for Education and Public Policy
The findings offer important opportunities for schools, educators, and policymakers.
Current science education often separates mathematics and physics into independent subjects taught through abstract formulas.
The Menggelek Tobu tradition offers a more holistic learning model by integrating multiple scientific concepts within a familiar cultural context.
The researchers recommend several actions:
- Develop mathematics and physics teaching modules based on local traditions.
- Train teachers to identify scientific concepts within indigenous knowledge systems.
- Encourage interdisciplinary learning approaches.
- Strengthen collaborations between schools, local governments, and cultural communities.
The findings may also support cultural preservation efforts.
As Pulau Belimbing increasingly develops cultural tourism activities, the tradition can serve both as a heritage attraction and as a living laboratory for science education.
Researchers Emphasize That Culture and Science Are Deeply Connected
An ethical paraphrase of the researchers' conclusion suggests that traditional communities have long practiced sophisticated scientific reasoning through experience and environmental adaptation.
Hanifatul Rahmi, Faizah, Mahdum, Hermandra, and Elmustian conclude that the Menggelek Tobu tradition represents an integrated system of mathematics, physics, and socio-cultural values that can enrich modern education while preserving indigenous identity.
Their findings challenge the misconception that science and culture are separate domains.
Instead, the study demonstrates that scientific thinking can flourish within local traditions and become a powerful foundation for culturally responsive education.
Author Profiles
- Hanifatul Rahmi: Researcher in ethnomathematics, indigenous knowledge, and culturally responsive education.
- Faizah: Researcher focusing on local wisdom integration in education and interdisciplinary science learning.
- Mahdum: Academic specializing in educational development and contextual learning approaches.
- Hermandra: Researcher with expertise in cultural studies and indigenous knowledge preservation.
- Elmustian: Academic focusing on Malay culture, educational innovation, and local wisdom studies.
Source
- Article Title: Metadata incomplete from available PDF excerpt. Please insert the official title from the first page of the article.
- Authors: Hanifatul Rahmi, Faizah, Mahdum, Hermandra, Elmustian
- Journal: International Journal of Contemporary Sciences (IJCS)
- Publication Year: 2026
- Volume and Issue: Vol. 4, No. 5, pp. 1453–1468
- Official DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/gmqt4845
- URL: https://journalijcs.my.id/index.php/ijcs
0 Komentar