Pacu Jawi
The annual Sumatra Cow Race tradition known as Pacu Jawi, this year took place in Simabur Village, Tanah Datar region participated by 300 pairs of cow from 4 districts, Pariangan, Lima Kaum, Rambatan, and Sungai Tarub. The Pacu Jawi or Cow Race as it translates, is an incredible cultural event originating from Tanah Datar region, West Sumatra in Indonesia. This traditional Indonesian event has been around for hundreds of years and was originally an activity undertaken by the farmers after the harvest season for leisure as well as a means of entertainment for local people and thanksgiving ritual before start planting season.
The jockey rides a pair of cows, holding on to their tails, along 100 meters muddy soaked track in rice field. The cow running about 30 km/hours. In order to force the cows to run faster, they would bite on the cow's tail on purpose without using the whip. The two cows are loosely tie together making it that much harder to maintain a long consistent run in Papik Pacu Jawi. This creates some fun and hilarious moments, for instance, two cows would run in different directions splitting the jockey in half. The jockey fall flat on his face in the dirty and muddy water followed by a thunderous claps and cheers from spectators.
Pacu jawi knows no winners since the most important aspect is about happines and showcasing the cows. However, good performers, especially the cow, will be rewarded with a marvelous price in the market.
The Pacu Jawi culture could be additional economic alternative for people who raise cattle for the race.
"I hope this Pacu Jawi culture can contribute to the cow ranchers economics," said Khairul Fahmi, Director of Pacu Jawi Sport in Tanah Datar district, Sumatra Barat, before opening race Pacu Jawi 2013. The economic potential is also expressed by Mr. Pakimarajo (71), the cow owner, that explained the price of a cow who ever win the Pacu Jawi could reach USD $ 4000. According to Pakimarajo, the price is still higher if the cow couple is often achieve to win the Pacu Jawi.
The jockey rides a pair of cows, holding on to their tails, along 100 meters muddy soaked track in rice field. The cow running about 30 km/hours. In order to force the cows to run faster, they would bite on the cow's tail on purpose without using the whip. The two cows are loosely tie together making it that much harder to maintain a long consistent run in Papik Pacu Jawi. This creates some fun and hilarious moments, for instance, two cows would run in different directions splitting the jockey in half. The jockey fall flat on his face in the dirty and muddy water followed by a thunderous claps and cheers from spectators.
Pacu jawi knows no winners since the most important aspect is about happines and showcasing the cows. However, good performers, especially the cow, will be rewarded with a marvelous price in the market.
The Pacu Jawi culture could be additional economic alternative for people who raise cattle for the race.
"I hope this Pacu Jawi culture can contribute to the cow ranchers economics," said Khairul Fahmi, Director of Pacu Jawi Sport in Tanah Datar district, Sumatra Barat, before opening race Pacu Jawi 2013. The economic potential is also expressed by Mr. Pakimarajo (71), the cow owner, that explained the price of a cow who ever win the Pacu Jawi could reach USD $ 4000. According to Pakimarajo, the price is still higher if the cow couple is often achieve to win the Pacu Jawi.