PACU JAWI TANAH DATAR❗PEKAN III ❗Nagari Batu Basa, Kecamatan Pariangan

Pacu Jawi Terbaru Pekan III 10 Januari 2026
Tanah Datar - The Minangkabau people are renowned for their diverse and unique traditions, which are still preserved to this day. One of them is the Pacu Jawi tradition. This tradition, which has existed for hundreds of years, originates from Nagari Tuo Pariangan, Tanah Datar Regency.

"Pacu" means speed race, and "Jawi" itself refers to cows or oxen, as in West Sumatra, cows are commonly called "jawi." Pacu Jawi itself is a typical Minangkabau bull race. The Pacu Jawi tradition is usually held after the rice harvest. This tradition is carried out out of gratitude for the abundant harvest.


Initially, Pacu Jawi was a solution for plowing rice fields before the modern plowing method was discovered. Pacu Jawi was invented by Datuak Tantejo Gurhano while searching for a way to make his rice fields fertile and easy to plant. This method was then copied and implemented by local residents.


Pacu Jawi is known to still be practiced in the Limo Kaum, Rambatan, Pariangan, and Sungai Tarab Districts. This tradition, originally intended solely for plowing rice fields, has now evolved into a cultural attraction attracting tourists.


The Pacu Jawi (Jawri) in Tanah Datar Regency is held in rotation in the four districts. Each round of the race typically lasts four weeks.


A single race typically involves 500 to 800 cows. The Pacu Jawi is contested in pairs, controlled by a jockey holding onto a plow handle. The Pacu Jawi event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


According to a study titled "Preserving the Pacu Jawi Tradition in Tanah Datar Regency," Pacu Jawi serves as a platform to increase the selling price and health of cattle. Frequently winning cattle become a source of pride, leading to their high demand, and their prices can often double.


The Pacu Jawi tradition is often combined with local traditions such as processions or parades. These processions are usually enlivened by people carrying trays or jamba (traditional food trays) filled with food, adorned with accessories such as suntiang (a traditional Javanese headdress) and clothing. The parade is usually held in the fourth week or at the closing of the Pacu Jawi.


The best cow is considered to be one that can walk straight, without leaning or deviating. Even better, if the cow can lead its companions in a straight line, this indicates a healthy and strong body.


Therefore, in the Pacu Jawi competition, not only speed and body structure are judged, but also the straightness of the run. This also embodies the philosophical meaning of the Pacu Jawi tradition: if cows can run straight, so can humans.

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