Bali celebrates Police Day with buffalo racing competition

Jembrana, Bali (ANTARA) – Bali Regional Police celebrated the 78th Indonesian Police Day (Bhayangkara) by organizing Makepung or a buffalo racing competition in the Jembrana district of Bali.

“Makepung or buffalo racing is a hereditary tradition of Jembrana farmers after harvest. Apart from celebrating joy and gratitude after harvest, this tradition is also a tourist attraction,” the Chief Inspector General said on Sunday of Bali Police, Ida Bagus Kade Putra Narendra.

He made the statement during the opening of the Bali Cup Makepung competition at the All in One Circuit in Pengambengan Village, Negara Subdistrict, Jembrana.

He said Makepung was a spontaneous action by farmers after they had a successful harvest.

Farmers riding on pairs of buffaloes would compete in the rice fields, which over time became a tradition that existed only in Jembrana.

Because it is unique to Jembrana, Narendra said Makepung has become one of the tourist attractions.

“As part of the Bhayangkara Day series of activities, we are organizing the Makepung competition here. Apart from preserving the culture, we hope that this competition can attract domestic and foreign tourists,” the police chief said from Bali.

During the competition, no less than 234 pairs of buffaloes were divided into western and eastern squads. They raced on the All in One circuit located near the beach.

For the Jembrana people, Makepung is no longer just a tradition, but a source of pride when they win the race.

In order to win the race, Makepung buffaloes are given special care ranging from food, vitamins and regular exercise.

Before the race, the heads of the buffaloes were decorated, then they pulled a cart with a jockey around a sandy circuit.

Winning the Makepung competition also increased the sale price of the buffaloes which could reach hundreds of millions of rupees.

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