Sumenep Regency Government Intensifies The Preservation Of Madura Cattle Karapan Culture

Illustration of cow's carapan in East Java. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Cows are not just a race for fast competition between livestock. This tradition is a symbol of the identity of the Madurese people which is full of cultural, historical, and togetherness values.

As part of the ancestral heritage, karapan cattle has become a manifestation of the spirit of gotong royong, persistence, and honor for farmers and their supporters. In the midst of the pace of modernization, the existence of beef is still relevant as a cultural attraction as well as a tourism potential that deserves to be developed more widely.

In line with that, the Regency Government (Pemkab) of Sumenep, East Java, shows a strong commitment to preserving this tradition. One of his efforts was to hold the 2025 Sumenep Cup Regent's Cattle Karapan Competition which took place at Giling Stadium, Sumenep District, on Sunday.

"This cow's cardwear is not just entertainment, but part of the identity of the Madurese people which must be maintained and inherited," said Sumenep Regent, Achmad Fauzi Wongsojudo, in his remarks at the opening of the event, as quoted by ANTARA.

A total of 64 pairs of cows took part in this competition. They came from various regions on Madura Island including Bangkalan, Sampang, Pamekasan, and Sumenep themselves as well as from outside the island, namely Lumajang Regency and Probolinggo. This cross-regional participation shows the breadth of attraction and symbolic strength of cattle as a shared culture.

Regent Fauzi emphasized that the Sumenep Regency Government feels responsible for the preservation of this local culture. He highlighted that beef has great potential as an attraction for cultural tourism, as long as it is packaged attractively and professionally.

"This is not just a spectacle of the people. Karapan cattle can be a medium for promoting culture that is global if developed creatively and utilizes technology," he added.

Local governments are also committed to making this event an annual agenda that is more structured, innovative, and oriented towards the quality of the implementation. On the other hand, education to the community is also carried out so that they participate in keeping this legacy alive and relevant in the midst of changing times.

In addition to the cultural and tourism aspects, sportsmanship and security during the race are also the main concern. Regent Fauzi reminded that healthy competition and a sense of solidarity between participants must always be upheld.

"Winning or losing is normal in competition, but the value of sportsmanship and brotherhood must remain the basis," he said.

The chairman of the Organizing Committee, Miskun, added that this competition was not only a rapid competition between cows, but also a moment to strengthen social ties and strengthen Madura's cultural identity.