Mekepung: Jembrana's Very Own Formula One Racing

Jembrana is located in west part of Bali, probably the most less-known part of Bali considering its distance from major tourist attraction in Bali. As the result, only little potentials that are known by public. One of the “unknown” potential is the buffalo is the buffalo (mekepung) races.

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In Mekepung the bulls are spruced up with accessories, hitched in pairs to makeshift chariots and steered by jockeys who combine their riding skills and it would be a very hard job for the jockeys as the chariots do not have any shock breaker or shock absorber, plus there is no place to sit which means they would need to stand on the chariots during races.

The race will start with three chariots released in sequences. Then the next races, two pair race at a time around a dirt track, the distance will vary and depend on the location of the race.

The mekepung races happen on Sundays, every year between July & October in Perancak, Awen, Melaya or Mertasari. The races start 7-8am and go for a few hours. The biggest mekepung race is the Governor’s cup which will be held around August each year. Two competing teams of jockeys and buffalos come from either side of the Ijo Gading River, The teams are call Blok Kangin (East Part) and Blok Kauh (West Part)
Negara is located slightly inland from the coast, about a 3 hour drive west of Kuta. The traffic could be bad at times considering that the route is used by large vehicles and it’s the main transportation route between Bali and Java.

The mekepung races are a Balinese tradition. The bright decorations, the family atmosphere, the ridiculousness of it all, 2 teams of bulls on a one track course. For animal lovers, watching mekepung is not recommended as some people consider it as abusive to the bull.

The jockeys ride whipping their rear ends with a whip that has a nail in it. In one sense it could be considered cruel for the animal, however, in the other sense, it helps the bull to quickly heal the wounds.
All in all, the race is worth to see and you will have a chance to see one of the forgotten parts of Bali.