PERMAINAN TRADISIONAL ACEH SEBAGAI MEDIA STIMULASI MOTORIK ANAK USIA DINI

Abstract

Traditional games are an inherited cultural asset that offers rich physical movement experiences for children, yet their existence is increasingly threatened by the dominance of digital games among the younger generation, including in Aceh. This article aims to examine the concept and characteristics of Acehnese traditional games, to describe how various forms of these games can be adapted as media for stimulating early childhood motor development, and to analyze the challenges and strategies for revitalizing them within early childhood education (PAUD). This study employs a qualitative approach using a literature review (library research) method, collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing books, national and international journal articles, and cultural documentation related to Acehnese traditional games and early childhood motor development. The results show that Acehnese traditional games such as meuen galah, bakiak, sepak tempurung, gasing, and adapted low-contact variants of geudeu-geudeu-style movement patterns are able to stimulate children's gross motor skills, including balance, strength, and coordination, while games such as congklak and simple woven or carved handicraft play stimulate fine motor skills such as hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity. The intentional and age-appropriate adaptation of these games into PAUD learning activities offers a culturally authentic and enjoyable medium for motor stimulation, while also contributing to the preservation of Aceh's traditional games amid the growing dominance of digital entertainment. The article concludes that Acehnese traditional games hold substantial potential as a motor stimulation medium in early childhood education and merit systematic integration into PAUD curricula and teacher training in Aceh.