Natural Physics Laboratory: Ethnoscience Perspective on the Simbang Batu Game of the Rokan Hulu

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FORMOSA NEWS

Traditional Simbang Batu Game Embeds Fundamental Physics Principles for Culture-Based Science Education

PEKANBARU, FORMOSA NEWS — The traditional Simbang Batu game from the Rokan Hulu Malay community in Riau, Indonesia, scientifically embeds key modern physics principles, including rigid body equilibrium, center of mass, and frictional force. A comprehensive study led by researchers from Universitas Pasir Pengaraian and Universitas Riau reveals how local cultural practices naturally incorporate complex physical laws. Published in June 2026 in the International Journal of Contemporary Sciences, the findings highlight the potential of using indigenous wisdom as a contextual, accessible medium for physics education in schools.

The research was conducted by a joint team comprising lead researcher Nurhikmah Sasna Junaidi from Universitas Pasir Pengaraian, alongside Hasnah Faizah, Mahdum Adanan, Hermandra, and Elmustian from Universitas Riau. The study addresses a prevalent challenge in science education: students frequently struggle with physics because abstract formulas feel disconnected from their daily lives. Concurrently, digital technology and shifting social habits have led to a decline in traditional games among younger generations. Integrating local heritage into formal curricula offers a dual benefit: enhancing scientific literacy while preserving indigenous cultural identity.

The Value of Ethnophysics in Modern Classrooms

Physics instruction often relies heavily on mathematical abstractions, making it difficult for students to visualize real-world applications. When learners fail to connect theoretical concepts with familiar experiences, engagement and deep conceptual understanding often diminish.

An ethnophysics approach bridges formal science and indigenous knowledge. For generations, the Rokan Hulu community has applied mechanical principles empirically through cultural activities without relying on academic jargon. In Simbang Batu, players stack stones in stable configurations, demonstrating an intuitive grasp of physical mechanics. Transforming these traditional practices into pedagogical tools creates a relevant, inclusive learning environment for students.

Simple and Contextual Methodology

To analyze the scientific mechanisms embedded within the game, the research team employed a qualitative ethnographic research design. The field investigation took place in Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau Province, focusing on community members actively preserving local games. Informants were selected through purposive sampling and included cultural practitioners, community elders, and experienced game players.

Data collection involved four complementary techniques:

• Participatory Observation: Direct recording of movement mechanics, stone placement techniques, and physical interactions during play.
• In-Depth Interviews: Documenting game rules, cultural significance, and generational transmission of knowledge from local elders.
• Documentation: Collecting photographs, video recordings, and detailed field notes illustrating stone stacking configurations.
• Literature Review: Mapping field data to standard mechanics theories in modern physics.

Data validity was ensured through source and technique triangulation, while thematic analysis followed the Miles and Huberman interactive model.

Key Scientific Findings in Simbang Batu

The empirical findings confirm that Simbang Batu serves as a natural laboratory for several core physics principles:

• Rigid Body Equilibrium ($\sum F = 0$ and $\sum \tau = 0$): Stone structures maintain stability without adhesives when the resultant force and resultant torque acting on the stack both equal zero.
• Manipulation of the Center of Mass: Players adjust stone positions so that the overall center of mass remains directly above the base of support. Placing broader stones at the foundation creates an optimal "safe zone" that minimizes collapse risks.
• Frictional Force Interlocking ($f = \mu \cdot N$): The surface roughness of natural rocks increases static friction, preventing individual stones from slipping under pressure.
• Gravitational Vector Distribution ($F = m \cdot g$): Each stacked stone exerts downward pressure due to gravity, requiring players to balance mass distribution evenly across lower support levels.

Real-World Educational and Social Impact

The findings from Universitas Pasir Pengaraian and Universitas Riau provide actionable frameworks for educators, curriculum planners, and cultural preservationists. Teachers can use Simbang Batu as a low-cost, highly accessible teaching aid for hands-on classroom experiments.

Connecting abstract mechanics to familiar cultural activities improves student comprehension, critical thinking, and science literacy. Furthermore, embedding local culture into formal education reinforces community heritage and supports sustainable cultural conservation in an increasingly digital world.

"Simbang Batu proves that local communities have empirically applied physics principles long before formal science education," stated lead researcher Nurhikmah Sasna Junaidi and her research team. "Integrating this traditional game into science teaching helps students grasp abstract concepts while actively preserving the cultural legacy of the Rokan Hulu Malay community."

Author Profile

• Full Name: Nurhikmah Sasna Junaidi, S.Pd., M.Pd.
• Affiliation: Physics Education Department, Universitas Pasir Pengaraian, Rokan Hulu, Riau, Indonesia
• Expertise: Physics Education, Ethnoscience, Ethnophysics, and Contextual Learning Innovations

Official Research Source

• Article Title: Natural Physics Laboratory: Ethnoscience Perspective on the Simbang Batu Game of the Rokan Hulu
• Authors: Nurhikmah Sasna Junaidi, Hasnah Faizah, Mahdum Adanan, Hermandra, and Elmustian
• Journal: International Journal of Contemporary Sciences (IJCS), Vol. 4, No. 6, 2026, pp. 1803–1820
• DOI / Link: https://doi.org/10.55927/vjscfj79
• URL Jurnal: https://journalijcs.my.id/index.php/ijcs