Bali Locals Sharpen Teamwork With Goak Maling Crow-and-Thief Game
Bali brims with lush rice terraces, pristine beaches and time-honored ceremonies that shape everyday life there. One tradition that has endured for generations is a children’s chase called Goak Maling. It first took shape in Panji Village, Buleleng. The rules need no formal setup or equipment. When a cluster of kids forms, the chase can erupt. Most villagers choose Ngembak Geni, the morning after Nyepi, as the prime day. Other gatherings appear in temple courtyards or empty fields. Each session kicks off with sekar rare, a chorus of folk verses that youngsters sing in unison, repeating the lines in rhythm with each round. No fence or field is too small when children gather to play under the open sky.
The term Goak Maling joins two Balinese words. Goak refers to a crow, a bird that folklore paints as clever and quick. Maling means thief, an apt tag for this creature as it plots moves to snatch chicks. The game frames a sly crow trying to swipe chicks guarded by a devoted mother hen. In village tales, the crow stands for cunning moves and sharp wit. The hen shows unwavering loyalty and fearless strength when protecting her brood.
At least five children must join for a proper chase. One child wears the crow’s role. Another takes the induk ayam part, the mother hen. The rest line up shoulder to shoulder as anak ayam, the chicks. Each youngster grasps the garment or shoulder of the friend ahead. The chain tightens into a living rope with the mother hen at its front. The crow stands before them, body low, eyes locked on the last child.
At the signal, the crow bursts forward, aiming to tap that final child. The mother hen shifts swiftly left and right, forming a human shield to block any attempt. Chicks must lean and hold tight, resisting any pull that might split their line. The crow counts on quick feints, faking a run one way, then veering back to catch the runner off guard.
When the crow lands a tag on the last child, that youngster earns a caught status. That child then takes the crow’s spot in the next chase. If the crow misses, the game rolls on without pause until someone feels the tap. Rounds can last minutes or stretch until the sun sinks.
Children chant sekar rare throughout each chase to keep energy high. The vocal lines sound:
Suryane suba makenyung
Bangun cening goake ngelingkung
Tong Tong Goak Maling
Tong tong jungklang jungkling
Depang Ning apang paling
Apang paling apang paling apang paling
Beneath the laughter and speed, Goak Maling carries life lessons. The mother hen player learns devotion and care. The crow player builds tactics and timing skills. Each chick hones collaboration, patience and swift response when the chain threatens to break. Every role adds to the challenge and highlights the power of teamwork.
This open-air pursuit keeps an old Balinese custom alive and hands it down to a fresh generation.
