“We remain committed to developing barapan kebo as part of our local cultural heritage,” West Sumbawa District Head Amar Nurmansyah said at the grand event at Bentiu Batu Aden Circuit.
The event follows the positive developments after the circuit’s inauguration in October 2025.
“The facility continues to attract community activities, including traditional barapan kebo events,” Amar said.
Barapan kebo is a traditional folk sport in Sumbawa, historically linked to the agrarian calendar and the start of the planting season.
The races traditionally help farmers plow clay-rich fields efficiently, rooted in the agrarian customs of the “Tanah Samawa” community.
This year’s race offered top prizes including three motorcycles, two scooters, one cow, and several additional awards for participants, organizers said.
Amar congratulated all participants and reiterated the local government’s commitment to sustaining barapan kebo as a cultural asset.
“Let’s preserve this local tradition together for West Sumbawa’s development,” he said, urging attendees to participate in the district’s 22nd anniversary celebration.
He added that the event also aims to contribute to local economic growth by attracting visitors and promoting community engagement.
Similar traditions exist elsewhere in Indonesia, including adu kerbau in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, karapan sapi in Madura, East Java, and pacu jawi in West Sumatra. These events continue to draw domestic and international tourists, enhancing the cultural appeal and tourism potential of local communities.
Officials said preserving barapan kebo aligns with broader efforts to maintain Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage while supporting regional development and sustainable economic opportunities.
The West Nusa Tenggara Tourism Office has previously set a target of attracting 2.5 million domestic and international visitors to Lombok and Sumbawa in 2025. Tourism is a key development pillar for the province, with destinations including Mandalika, Senggigi, the Gili Islands, Moyo Island, and Mount Tambora, alongside cultural attractions such as barapan kebo.
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Translator: Akhyar R, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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