The real story
Before independence, a version of the game known in Dutch as 'de klimmast', the climbing pole, was staged at colonial celebrations such as the Dutch queen's birthday, with local people climbing for prizes like rice, sugar and clothes while spectators watched. Greased-pole contests were also known in Chinese communities in the archipelago, and because of the colonial history some Indonesians still debate the game.
After 1945 it was reclaimed as an Independence Day tradition. Every 17 August, villages across Indonesia raise a pinang trunk, coat it in grease and hang a ring of prizes at the top. No one gets there solo: teams stand on each other's shoulders, slide down, regroup and try again, which is why many see it as a lesson in gotong royong, working together.
