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Pacu Jawi

Bull Racing is a long-lived tradition in various parts of Indonesia. In Bali, they call it Makepung. In East Java, they have Kerapan Sapi. Meanwhile, in Sumatra, they have Pacu Jawi.

Pacu Jawi can be found in Tanah Datar, around 100 kilometers away from Padang, West Sumatra. In Minang language, “jawi” means “cow”. Unlike Kerapan Sapi where the bulls race in dry land, on Pacu Jawi the bulls race in muddy rice fields. Usually Pacu Jawi takes place after the harvesting season.

Pacu Jawi itself is often considered as a signature of West Sumatra. With hundreds of bulls and farmers racing the field, stunning sights are fully guaranteed.

Even though its name might show a small hint of competition, Pacu Jawi is not an actual race. There are now winners crowned on the ‘race’. One of the purposes of the event is to promote the bulls. Bulls which perform well can be sold for a high price and bring a fortune for the farmers.

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