KBRN, Bangkalan: Bull racing, a centuries-old tradition unique to Madura Island, is far more than a contest of speed. It is a cultural legacy deeply rooted in the agrarian life of the Madurese people, dating back to the 14th century.

In an interactive dialogue with RRI Sampang, senior cultural figure Hidrochin Sabarudin, affectionately known as Abah Doing, explained that bull racing originated from communal rice-plowing practices in Sumenep Regency, the easternmost region of Madura.

“Plowing the fields alone was exhausting. So people created a communal activity that also served as entertainment. That’s how bull racing began,” he said on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

The tradition is believed to have emerged during the reign of Aria Danurwendo (Lembu Sarenggono) in Aeng Anyar (1301–1311), and continued through the eras of Panembahan Joharsari Bluto (1319–1331) and Prince Katandur.

Initially held in rice paddies and dry fields, bull racing gradually moved to dry-land arenas, evolving into a prestigious cultural event.

“Bull racing isn’t just about speed. It carries aesthetic value, the philosophy of mutual cooperation, and the spirit of agricultural prosperity. The Madurese have a strong artistic sense, evident in the ornate decorations of the bulls and the jockeys’ attire,” Abah Doing added.

Today, bull racing is organized in stages, from the subdistrict level to the national level, with the President’s Cup as its pinnacle, symbolizing prestige and social pride.

The Grand Final of the 2025 President’s Cup Bull Race was held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, drawing enthusiastic crowds. Twenty-four pairs of top-performing bulls from across Greater Madura competed for the coveted trophy in this annual celebration of Madurese identity.

“The price of a racing bull can reach hundreds of millions of rupiah, reflecting the tradition’s economic and social significance,” Abah Doing noted.

According to budaya.data.kemendikbud.go.id, bull races are held annually in various Madurese cities during August and September. The finals take place in Pamekasan in late September or October, where competitors vie for the President’s Rotating Cup.

Madura’s bull racing tradition encompasses several distinct categories, each with its own purpose and prestige.

Kerap Keni, or the small race, is contested within a single subdistrict over a 110-meter track. It features smaller, untrained bulls, and winners are judged not only by speed but also by their ability to run straight.

Victors from this category may advance to the more prestigious Kerap Raja. Known also as Kerap Negara or the country race, Kerap Raja is held in subdistrict capitals on Sundays and features champions from the Kerap Keni level.

Another type, Kerap Onjangan, is an invitation-only race hosted by a regency, typically organized to commemorate important holidays. The Kerap Karesidenen, or residence race, brings together champions from Madura’s four regencies in a major event held in Pamekasan City on Sundays, marking the climax of the racing season.

Meanwhile, Kerap Jar-jaran serves as a training race, designed to prepare bulls before they enter formal competition.

Bull racing remains a vibrant expression of Madurese culture, an intersection of sport, art, and community spirit that continues to thrive across generations. (Misni Parjiati/Ed. Lasti Martina)