Makepung, The Buffalo Race of Bali
Makepung in Indonesian means ‘chasing one another’. Makepung at first coming from usual game, which is played by farmers in Bali, especially in Jembrana teritory, in between their rest during plough of rice fields.
The buffalo used in the race are stringed to carriage, and being controlled by a jockey. By the time, this game then develops and devoted by many people. Now Makepung has been one of an annual agenda in Bali, and has been managed professionally.
- Makepung - Buffalo Race from Bali
Makepung’s game rules
- Buffalo with Decorative Crown on the head
Makepung was held first in 1970’s, and compared to this moment, there has been some changes along the game rules and property. If at the beginning, the game uses one buffalo and one big carriage, now Makepung performs a pair of buffalos, and a smaller size of carriage.
The buffalos belongs to Makepung’s contestant has performed more ’stylish’, with colorful accessories on their head which is formed like crown, and green flags in each carriage.
Makepung has a bit different rules to that the race in common. The winner of Makepung race is considered NOT only who arrives the first in finish line, but he must be able to keep distance with the racer behind him, in minimum 10m far. If the distance between both are less than 10m, then the second contestant win the race. Each of Makepung race has 8 - 10 minutes duration.
The Contestant of Makepung
- Buffalo with Decorative Crown
There are two clubs in Makepung, the West Block and East Block. The separation of these blocks is based on the course of Sungai Ijo Gading ( Green Ivory River), which divide Jembrana territory. Both blocks will meet in an official race every two weeks. Each blocks have their own circuit which is used for practicing, and circuit as location for official race.
The funny side of the race is the expression of the jockies during the race. Sometimes when each contestant trying to pass over another contestant, the buffalo becomes out of control. This may cause the buffalo and the carriage attached to them stepped out of the circuit, the carriage got upside down, and even sink into the field surround the circuit.
article and pictures source : Barry Kusuma
