Barapan Kebo, or buffalo race, is a long-standing tradition passed down through generations on Sumbawa Island. Legend says this tradition started when farmers grew bored while plowing their fields with buffalo. To make things more exciting, they decided to hold a competition to see whose buffalo was the fastest.
Here are five fascinating facts about Barapan Kebo in Sumbawa:
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1. Unique Equipment for the Race
Just like any other race, Barapan Kebo has its own special equipment. This tradition requires:
- A pair of buffalo
- A muddy rice field as the race track
- A jockey to guide the buffalo
- Officials at the starting and finishing lines
- Timekeepers
The race starts like any other, from a designated starting line. However, what makes it unique is the finish line: a wooden post called the “Saka,” planted into the ground. The buffalo must touch the Saka to win the race.
2. Rules and Racing Techniques
In Barapan Kebo, two buffalo are paired together using a wooden yoke called a “Noga,” which connects their necks and keeps them running in sync. A wooden plank called the “Kareng” extends from the Noga for the jockey to stand on. Jockeys often carry whips to encourage the buffalo to run faster.
Buffalo are released one at a time rather than simultaneously. The buffalo that runs the fastest and touches the Saka at the finish line is declared the winner.
3. Being a Jockey Is No Easy Job
Becoming a Barapan Kebo jockey is no small feat. It requires exceptional balance to control the buffalo, especially since the muddy race track is slippery and can obscure the jockey’s vision. Jockeys often slip and fall into the mud, which usually draws laughter from the audience.
4. Barapan Kebo as a Symbol of Prestige
For the people of Sumbawa, winning a Barapan Kebo race is a source of great pride. While the prize money is usually small, and the expenses often outweigh the rewards, the prestige of winning is priceless. In fact, winning buffalo often see their value skyrocket, with some fetching prices in the hundreds of millions of rupiah.
5. The Battle of the “Sandro”
In Barapan Kebo, each buffalo typically has its own “Sandro,” or spiritual guide. The Sandro’s job is to ensure their buffalo wins while attempting to hinder the opponent’s buffalo, making them veer off course or run aimlessly. This makes Barapan Kebo not only a physical race but also a spiritual competition among Sandro practitioners.
Witness the Excitement of Barapan Kebo in Sumbawa!
Interested in witnessing this unique buffalo race? Plan your trip to Sumbawa and dive into the excitement of an adventure that connects you to the island’s rich cultural heritage!
