West Sumatra's Traditional Bull Race 'Pacu Jawi' Steps Up On the Global Stage

The philosophy behind Pacu Jawi

Yet Pacu Jawi is also a study in ethics. “[Pacu Jawi] is a metaphor for how a leader and his people can all walk down the same path. That is why there are always two bulls in the race.”

“The winner is also not determined by the fastest [racer], but those who can go in a straight line,” noted the article. “In Pacu Jawi, the jockeys do not face off against one another. This is done to keep spectators from betting on the jockeys.”

The differences between Pacu Jawi and Karapan Sapi

At first glance, Pacu Jawi is similar to Karapan Sapi, the traditional bull race from Madura Island, East Java. Yet they are two entirely different races. “Karapan Sapi is run on a dry flat track, whereas Pacu Jawi is run on a wet paddy” the article noted.

Also read: Striding the Corridors of an Iconic West Sumatra Palace

The jockeys also used some unusual ways to make the bulls run faster, such as biting their tails.

Unsurprisingly, people from West Sumatra, other parts of Indonesia, even around the world are drawn to Pacu Jawi. The event is also a favorite among photographers aiming for a challenging shot of the frenetic and sloppy spectacle.

But whether one is motivated by a good time or a good shot, Pacu Jawi is a must see spectacle for anyone dropping by Tanah Datar. (Writer: Nicholas Ryan Aditya | Editor : Kahfi Dirga Cahya)

Sources:

https://travel.kompas.com/read/2020/07/01/102000927/apa-itu-pacu-jawi-balapan-sapi-khas-minang-yang-dijajal-gordon-ramsay?page=all#page2.