Unique Traditions and Competitions To Celebrate the Independence Day

August is a special month for Indonesians. In August, we celebrate the result of the struggle for independence. This year, Indonesia marks its 79th anniversary.

The Independence Day, which falls on August 17, is always joyfully celebrated. The celebration even starts in early August. Red and white ornaments, such as flags, banners, and decorations, are seen across the archipelago. Streets, kampungs, offices, and public spaces are painted and beautified when the celebration is just around the corner.

The festivities usually involve various traditions and competitions. In several regions, these are especially unique and iconic. Want to know more? Read on.

5 Unique Ways To Celebration the Independence Day From Across Indonesia

Pacu Kude, Aceh

This horse racing is a tradition in Aceh, the westernmost part of this country. Since 1956, the Central Aceh Government has routinely held Pacu Kude before the anniversary of independence to commemorate the Acehnese’s role in the struggle for freedom.

The horses are not just any horses. The jockeys usually ride Australian-Gayo crossbred racehorses.

This horse race is a grand agenda, and its participants come from many places, such as Central Aceh, Bener Meriah, Gayo Lues, Southeast Aceh, Aceh Besar, and West Sumatra.

Some say Pacu Kude dates back to the Dutch colonial era. At the time, the locals staged it after the harvest season. 

Peresean, Lombok

In Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), the people have a unique tradition for celebrating the Independence Day of Indonesia. A few days before August 17, the people hold Peresean.

It is an extreme, traditional art of the Sasak, the indigenous people of Lombok. Famous fighters fight and attack each other, only using rattan rods and shields made of buffalo skin.

Though it might sound like a brutal match, it really is a battle of agility. And not just that—it is a show of profound moral values of brotherhood and nobility among men.

Pawai Jampana, Bandung

The people in Bandung, West Java, follow a unique tradition called Pawai Jampana in celebration of the Independence Day. It is their way to thank God for the national independence.

Pawai Jampana involves the procession of crops, handicrafts, and traditional foods carried on large open palanquins. Due to the heavy load, each palanquin is usually carried by four men.

Typically, a large amount of crops and food is offered during these processions. As a result, each procession may involve dozens or even hundreds of palanquins. At the end of the event, the participants and spectators would swarm the palanquins and scramble for the crops and traditional foods and eat them together.

Rowing Competition, Banjarmasin

Besides unique traditions, competitions are held as part of the Independence Day celebration. In Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, the people stage a dragon boat race on the Martapura River.

The race was first held in 1924. This competition is also a way to find young rowers to represent South Kalimantan in the National Games (PON).

At first, only local people joined the race. Gradually, the event became colossal, and more participants from other cities and provinces took part.

Durian Soccer, Kebumen

The celebration of the Independence Day is always associated with betel nut climbing or sack race. However, the people in Kebumen, Central Java, play a whole different game: durian soccer.

Yes. In this soccer game, instead of a ball, they kick around a durian. You can see why not everyone can play this extreme sport.

The players often come from Densus 99 or spiritual communities. Before the kick-off, they pray together for safety during the game.

So those are some unique Independence Day traditions and competitions from across the country. Visit one of the regions to experience the joyful celebration for yourself.

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