Unique Races : Karapan Sapi from Madura

For the people of Madura, Cow's race is not just a party of the people of celebrations held every year. Cow's RACE not just a tradition that carried generations from one to the next generation . Cow's RACE is a pride that will raise the prestige of dignity in society.

The ORIGIN history of the Kerapan Sapi (Cow's Race) based on oral sources was first popularized by Prince Katandur Sapudi originating from the island, Sumenep city during the 13th century. Originally cows used as processing power for fields. to plow the cow work, processing rice field soil, it worked and the barren land was turned into fertile soil.
Seeing the good ideas and bring positive results, of course, village residents followed his prince. Finally the ground all over the island which was originally Sapudi arid, fertile soil that could be planted with rice. And the Results people of Madura can produce their own food
After the harvest, came as an expression of joy for the abundant harvest Prince Ketandur have the initiative to invite people in her village to hold a cattle race.

The area of ​​wetland that has been harvested used for Cow race. Finally, cow racing tradition until now continues to grow and preserved. Only the more popular name is replaced with "Kerapan Sapi".

For the people of Madura, Kerapan Sapi other than as a tradition as well as the party of the people who carried out after successful reaping the harvest of rice or tobacco.

Kerapan as the party of the people in Madura has a role in various fields.For example in the field of economics (an opportunity for people to sell), the role of religious magic (ie the specific calculations for the owner of the cow before the match and the presence of certain mantras), the field of fine arts (there is on equipment that has a particular decoration), the arts dance and music art saronen (always changing and evolving).

Anatomy of Kerapan


Definition of the word "kerapan" is a fighting cow  wearing "kaleles". Kaleles are complementary means to be climbed sais / jockey who is known in Madura called "handyman Tongko". The cows that will be driven roped with "pangonong" in the neck so that it becomes a single pair.

Madurese gives the difference between “kerapan sapi” and “sapi kerap”. Kerapan SApi is a cow that was fighting , in moving, running and dynamic. and Sapi kerap is good for one or more kerapan. This is to distinguish ordinary cow. There are several kerapan namely "kerrap kei" (small kerapan), "kerrap king''(kerapan great), 'kerrap onjangan" (kerapan invitation), "kerrap jar-ajaran" (kerapan exercise).

Kaleles as a tool for the ride kerapan Tokang Tongko from time to time through many developments and changes. Kaleles light used is selected (for cows could run as much as possible), but strong enough to be climbed Tokang Tongko (jockey).

Sapi Keraps are selected with specific characteristics. For example, small-breasted water means downward, long-backed, hoofed meetings, rigid upright and sturdy, long-tailed and fat. Rearing cow is often also very different from ordinary cows.

Cows for races always controlled in eating and health,, his health and at certain moments were given herbal medicine. It's happens that these costs of cow's special treatment are not comparable with that obtained when the winning prize, but the owner is a pride and cow's prices often can be very high.

Cow for race there are three kinds , they are "quick heat" (only with hot oiled powder and medicines quickly aroused), the cattle are "cold" (when will dikerap should be flogged many times), and cow "kowat rafters" (strong tired, need a warm up first).

At the time, will be contested cattle owners often have to prepare builders Tongko (jockey), "handyman tambeng" (duty to hold, open and remove obstacles to race), "handyman gettak" (bully beef for cattle to run fast), "handyman gubra" (people who bully beef to cheer on the edge of the field), "handyman ngeba rope" (a carrier cow reins from start to finish), "handyman nyandak" (the person in charge to stop running after the cow until the finish line), "handyman Tonja" (person in charge of guiding the cow).

Some equipment that is important in kerapan sapi are kaleles and pangonong, "pangangguy and rarenggan" (clothing and jewelry), "rokong" (a tool to cow for a surprise sprint). In Cow's races, they do not miss the "saronen" (the instrument of driving kerapan). Device consists of saronen, drums, kenong, kempul, krecek and gongs.

People Party

The cows that worth 30.000 US $ !!!

Generally, a party of the people, organizing Kerapan Cows are also very enthused by the Madurese community. Each time the even is estimated cow's races, there are 1000 - 3000 present society . In the party among the people and society of Madura, they merge into one in an atmosphere of sportsmanship and fun.

Another interesting side karapan audience of cows is an opportunity to place a bet amongst the audience. Total stakes are also varied, ranging from the class thousand few bucks to tens, even hundreds of thousand dollars. Usually spectators who stood along the small stakes arena, they not bet much. However, the big gamblers, mostly sitting on the podium or just to see from the distance. Transactions conducted outside the arena, and usually take place at night before karapan spi begins.

Prestige Competition

Karapan Sapi owners obtain a high prestige when able to win the traditional race.
In addition, the price of cow paired direct karapan soar winner. for example, the cow who won the race ,priced 200 millions rupiahs (25.000 US $), and before win the cow prized is 40 millions rupiahs

To perform the a healthy body for calf pairs will cost up to 4 million rupiahs per pairs of cattle for food and other maintenance. That cost is for various herbal food and medicine and dozens of chicken eggs per day, even more so before competed in the arena karapan.


Based on community tradition of people karapan owners, the animal was parachuted into the arena before the wounded in the buttocks that is scraped with a nail until his skin bled for to run fast. Even given the wound or balm sauce that in certain body parts such as around the eyes.

 

Musi Party before and afther the Karapan Sapi

 

The day before the race done, partner and owner of cattle and a number of relatives staying in a tent that is placed in the field. Not forgetting the party enlivened by a traditional music group Sronen who paraded before the cow couples competed. Even the traditional services were required to be carried karapan cow. The "enthusiast" Kerapan Cows do it all for the sake of a prestige, or prestige is indeed a unique character Madurese

Pic Source:
1. http://www.eastjavatraveler.com/?p=212
2. http://alambudaya.blogspot.com/2009/04/adu-cepat-karapan-sapi.html