Pillow Fighting Contest at Tukad Unda Draws Laughter

Residents flocked to the Red Bridge over the Tukad Kali Unda river in Tangkas Village, Klungkung, Bali, on Monday afternoon (17/8/2026). They participated in and watched various competitions held to commemorate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.

The competitions included tug-of-war (six people per team), pillow fighting (two people per team), cracker eating, team greased pole climbing, nyuun nare, and various other interesting contests. The events were organised by the Tangkas Village United Youth, supported by the Tangkas Traditional Village Credit Institution (LPD) and the Tangkas Village Government.

The event, which began at 3:00 pm local time, was highly festive. Laughter and cheers from spectators echoed along the banks of the Tukad Unda, especially as they watched the comical antics of participants in the pillow fighting arena and the struggles of the greased pole climbing teams to overcome the challenge.

Tangkas Traditional Village Head, Nyoman Sudarma, said the Independence Day competitions are held routinely every year. However, this was the first time the event was held in the Bali Cultural Centre (PKB) area, following input from village youth.

“We accepted suggestions and proposals from the youth to hold the event here. We agreed because this location is still part of the Tangkas Traditional Village area, and it turned out that residents’ enthusiasm was enormous,” Sudarma explained when met at the location.

Sudarma affirmed that the competitions held as part of the Independence Day celebrations will continue in the future. The decision was made after seeing the great enthusiasm of residents and the impact on traders from Tangkas Village.

“Perhaps later there will be a leisurely walk first. Then we will gather here to hold competitions like this. We have prepared all of this, including requesting permission from the police to ensure the safety and order of the public who attend. Because those who came here today are not only our residents, but also many from outside,” Sudarma explained.

The festivities of this people’s party concluded with the presentation of prizes to the competition winners and the closing of the series of events commemorating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day with a strong sense of togetherness.