'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.