Cattle racing tradition on flat ground in Payakumbuh, West Sumatra, Indonesia

 

The Indonesian region is famous for its agrarian life and has given rise to many traditions and cultures related to agriculture. Many Indonesian cultural traditions are closely related to the rice harvest season, from the sacred rice harvesting ceremony to the entertainment. One of them is the Pacu Jawi tradition in West Sumatra (West Sumatra). Pacu Jawi is a cow racing tradition in Tanah Datar district and Payakumbuh town in West Sumatra. This tradition has long continued as a celebration and entertainment for the postharvest community.

Turkish friends will definitely feel the excitement of this unique tradition! It occurred alternately in the Tanah Datar villages. Every two months and each service consists of four events that take place on a Wednesday or a Saturday. The place is located in a paddy field area where the harvest season has ended. Although the name is Pacu Jawi or cow racing, this activity is not really just any cow sprint. But the most important thing is to see the ability of the jockey to control the cow so that it walks in a certain straight line. According to the traditions that exist in the local community, this tradition is also a teaching and has a high philosophical meaning. Meanwhile, the ability to walk straight in this type of cow teaches us that the most valuable thing is the ability to stay on the straight and narrow path. A very noble teaching for tourism lovers to apply in everyday life.

Alek Pacu Jawi Folk Festival The Pacu Jawi tradition in the Kingdom of Minang is often very lively. Especially with the excitement of a village festival called Alek Pacu Jawi. At village festivals, the cows wear the suntiang, a Minangkabau headdress. Then there are the traditional art games and a host of other exciting events.