RRI.CO.ID, Bengkalan - Kerapan Sapi, Madura's iconic traditional bull-racing spectacle, took center stage in Bangkalan Regency as local authorities and national leaders leveraged the ancestral tradition to catalyze regional tourism and economic growth across East Java.

The cultural sport was showcased during the AHY Cup Kerapan Sapi competition at the R.P. Moch. Noer Kerapan Sapi Stadium on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The high-profile event drew thousands of spectators from across the archipelago, featuring attendance from Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), Deputy Minister of Manpower Afriansyah Noor, House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission XII Member Hasani Zubair, and Bangkalan Regent Lukman Hakim.

Local authorities highlighted that large-scale cultural events generate a crucial economic multiplier effect. The massive influx of visitors directly boosted micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), culinary vendors, and local transport operators, solidifying Bangkalan's strategy of combining heritage preservation with sustainable economic development.

National officials, regional leaders, and local residents emphasized that safeguarding traditional sports preserves cultural identity while delivering direct economic benefits to the community.

Bangkalan Regent Lukman Hakim pointed out the importance of keeping ancestral traditions vibrant for future generations. He also added that culture-based tourism development is one of key strategies to strengthen the local economy while safeguarding Madurese cultural identity.

"Kerapan Sapi is not only the pride of the Madurese people, but also a cultural asset that we must continuously care for together, we appreciate all parties who supported this event so that our ancestral traditions remain alive and increasingly recognized by the wider public," Lukman Hakim said in Bangkalan on Sunday, August 2, 2026, as quoted by Infopublik.id.

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono underlined the significance of the tradition on the national stage. "Kerapan Sapi is not merely a speed race between bulls; it is an integral part of our nation's rich cultural heritage that must be continually maintained and preserved together," Minister AHY explained.

Local food vendor, Supardi, shared how the influx of spectators directly impacted small businesses surrounding the stadium.

"Events like this bring thousands of people, and our stalls sell out twice as fast as usual, we hope big Kerapan Sapi tournaments continue to be held regularly because they truly help small merchants earn a better living," Supardi remarked.

Madurese cultural enthusiast and spectator, Achmad Zaini, expressed pride in seeing the tradition receive national support. "Kerapan Sapi represents the spirit, hard work, and unity of the Madurese people, seeing national leaders come here to honor our tradition makes us proud, and it inspires the younger generation to keep raising racing bulls and preserving our identity," he noted. ***