President's Sacrificial Cow's Head Covered to Prevent Rampage in Klungkung

The head of President Prabowo Subianto’s sacrificial cow was covered with cloth prior to slaughter at the Kaliunda Animal Slaughterhouse (RPH) in Klungkung, Bali, on Thursday morning (28 May 2026). This measure was taken to prevent the Rp60 million animal from rampaging and harming bystanders, particularly during the symbolic handover ceremony conducted by Klungkung Regent I Made Satria. Owner I Nyoman Budi Arsa, 25, stated that the male cow he had raised was indeed aggressive. Without the cloth covering, the animal would certainly become uncontrollable. He feared a repeat of the incident where a sacrificial cow rampaged and went out of control in Gilimanuk, especially as this was the President’s sacrificial animal. “His character is indeed aggressive. If not covered, I fear it might harm people. It would be dangerous,” Arsa told detikBali. The cow’s head, specifically its eyes, was covered before loading it onto a pickup truck. Arsa said the 600-kilogram animal remained calm during the process. “Because it was covered,” he added. Arsa appeared sombre at the RPH. He expressed sadness at parting with the cow he had cared for nearly four years, stating he could not bear to watch it being slaughtered. “I’m heartbroken. I can’t bear to see it being cut,” Arsa said, shaking his head. At the same location, Klungkung Puskeswan veterinarian drh AA Gde Darma Putra explained that cattle raised in a stable for a long time tend to become stressed when moved to a new environment, especially when surrounded by large crowds. “Previously kept in a stable, it has never encountered large crowds. Hence, it could become aggressive if its eyes are not covered, as seen in incidents like the one in Gilimanuk,” Darma said, preparing to examine the animal’s organs post-slaughter. Prior to slaughter, the President’s sacrificial cow was symbolically handed over by Klungkung Regent I Made Satria to the Hasanudin Mosque committee. The animal will then be slaughtered, with its meat distributed to the local community.