The Indonesian province of West Sumatra is renowned for its rich traditional customs and cultural heritage.
Among these customs are three unique and fascinating animal races: horse race (Pacu Kudo), cow race (Pacu Jawi), and duck race (Pacu Itiak).
These races, each with their own rich history and traditions, are deeply ingrained in the local culture and attract both locals and visitors alike.
1. Horse Race (Pacu Kudo)
For a long time, horse racing has been a symbol of fame, wealth, and power for the rulers and elites of the Minangkabau region.
This tradition has been changing from a local-scale event to a national sport, with six different horse racing tracks in the region.
Since the colonial period, horse racing has become a symbol of identity for the elites and rulers, who sit in VIP seats to demonstrate their power, wealth, and status.
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The horse racing tradition has undergone various changes and has been used as entertainment, as well as a way to find a spouse for the Minangkabau kings a century ago.
Horse racing has now become a popular public spectacle that everyone can enjoy, including the common people.
The West Sumatra PORDASI organization has successfully developed the sport, leading it to be a national-scale event that attracts all levels of society, from the elites to ordinary people.
Horse racing is so ingrained in the Minangkabau culture that it is inseparable from the region’s people, like two sides of a coin.
2. Cow Race (Pacu Jawi)
Pacu Jawi is a traditional cultural event held in the Tanah Datar District of West Sumatra, Indonesia.
The event takes place in several villages and is hosted by four districts consisting of 26 nagari (suburbs), having rice fields of 96.16 square kilometers and more than 12,000 cattle.
Pacu Jawi was initiated hundreds of years ago to show gratitude to people after the rice harvest.
Although it is called a “race,” the bulls do not compete directly with each other, and there is no formal winner.
Instead, viewers rate bulls based on their running speed and ability to run straight.
The Pacu Jawi event takes place on watery rice fields, and its tradition is still maintained and nurtured by the Tanah Datar community.
The event takes place in parallel with the village festival, called Alek Pacu Jawi.
Over the years, the festivities have included processions of cattle dressed in traditional headgear, performances of traditional music, fairs, and traditional games.
The main goal of the event is entertainment and relaxation until the fields are ready to be sown again.
Pacu Jawi races are a major attraction for local communities, and they are so popular that individual provinces must fight for the rights to organize these races.
3. Duck Race (Pacu Itiak)
West Sumatra is a province on the western coast of the central part of Sumatra.
Rich in natural resources, traditional culture, and home to the Minangkabau people.
One of the traditional customs found in Sumatera Barat is Pacu Itiak (Duck Race), a race where trained ducks fly for distances of 800 to 1600 meters.
The Pacu Itiak tradition began in 1928 as a method to ward off pests in the rice fields, but has since become a source of entertainment and a national cultural heritage.
The ducks are trained for three to four months and must meet specific criteria to qualify for the race.
The Pacu Itiak tradition has gained popularity over the years and is now not only a form of entertainment but also a professional sport.
The community has formed an association the Persatuan Olah Raga Terbang Itik (PORTI) which is supported by the local government’s tourism department.
The race has become an attraction for visitors to the city of Payakumbuh and has encouraged the breeding of quality ducks.
The tradition is part of the Minangkabau people’s cultural heritage, and Pacu Itiak is recognized as one of the national cultural riches in Indonesia.
The animal races of West Sumatra are a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and are deeply rooted in the local communities.
These races, whether it be horse racing, cow racing, or duck racing, continue to captivate and entertain people of all ages and backgrounds.
They serve as a unique and fascinating glimpse into the local culture, and are a true national treasure of Indonesia.
