'Makepung' bull-racing, a Balinese sporting tradition

'Makepung' bull-racing, a Balinese sporting tradition

By Murdani Usman

NEGARA, West Bali (JP): Ornaments adorning the bulls shake to
a regular rhythm as the animals pave their way along the two
kilometer-long racing track, which is on most days just a dusty
and dirty road bordering the paddy fields.

The harnessed animal contestants move forward, ignoring the
harassment they receive from the jockeys on their backs.

Alongside the track, hundreds of local residents pack the
arena, cheering and betting for their champion.

As soon as the winning bull crossed the finishing line, the
race was over but the thanksgiving party to mark a successful
harvest had only just begun.

The tradition of bull-racing is called Mekepung in sparsely
populated Negara, the capital of Jembrana regency, is similar to
Madura's Karapan Sapi bull-racing.

Mekepung has become quite a popular attraction, in particular
with tourists. Without this event, it would be difficult to lure
people to visit the wild and forested areas surrounding Negara.

In addition to its temples, the area boasts vast stretches of
pristine beaches, bountiful coral reefs and beautiful diving
sites. Negara, though, does not have the elaborate cultural
attractions of Gianyar, the beautiful scenery of Tabanan, or the
five-star tourist facilities found in Kuta and Nusa Dua in the
southern part of Bali.

Dominated by Muslims, Catholics and Protestants, the regency
is unique to the Hindu island of Bali.

Bullracing here is usually performed between August and
November, is the local residents' way of thanking God for the
harvest. At the same time, the event has also become a place
where people from West Bali gather once a year.

This year's bullracing took place on Aug. 11 and was
participated by 150 contestants. It was judged by the competency
of each jockey, their speed and the entire appearance of both
jockey and racing bull.