West Sumbawa Promotes Barapan Kebo as a Key Element of the Cultural Tourism Strategy, Boosting Local Economic Growth and Preserving Traditions in Indonesia

Published on November 24, 2025

The authorities in West Sumbawa, part of Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara province, reaffirmed their commitment to promoting barapan kebo, or buffalo racing, as an integral part of local tourism and cultural heritage. In the mega event held at the Bentiu Batu Aden Circuit on Sunday, West Sumbawa District Head Amar Nurmansyah reiterated the local government’s commitment to developing and maintaining barapan kebo as a tourist attraction while preserving the region’s agricultural traditions.

“We remain committed to developing barapan kebo as part of our local cultural heritage,” Amar Nurmansyah said, underlining how the tourism sector is linked to the island’s cultural practices. The event follows the recent inauguration of the Bentiu Batu Aden Circuit in October 2025, which has already been instrumental in hosting cultural events, including races of traditional barapan kebo, and continues to draw local participation and tourist interest.

Barapan Kebo: A Tradition with Tourism Potential

Barapan kebo is a traditional folk sport unique to Sumbawa, an island that has long been home to agrarian communities. Historically, these races were tied to the agrarian calendar, signaling the beginning of the planting season. Today, the sport continues to serve as an important cultural activity for Sumbawa farmers, helping to efficiently plow fields while offering spectators a thrilling view of the races.

More importantly, barapan kebo is increasingly being promoted as a tourism attraction that can bring economic benefits to the region. The event has gained attention as a cultural tourism product, attracting domestic visitors from other parts of Indonesia as well as international tourists interested in experiencing traditional rural sports.

Boosting Local Economy and Enhancing Tourism Opportunities

The growing interest in barapan kebo has a direct impact on local economic growth. With the increase in visitors, the event offers opportunities for local businesses to thrive, from restaurants and hotels to tour operators providing transportation and guided tours for tourists. Local farmers and artisans also benefit as they showcase their craftsmanship and offer goods to visitors, creating a sustainable economic model tied to cultural tourism.

By promoting barapan kebo alongside other cultural and eco-tourism initiatives, West Sumbawa is positioning itself as a unique destination for experiential travel that focuses on community-based tourism. This approach fosters local engagement and ensures that tourism growth supports local communities, providing employment opportunities and encouraging preservation of cultural heritage.

Strengthening Indonesia’s Tourism Appeal through Cultural Events

The support for barapan kebo in West Sumbawa aligns with Indonesia’s broader efforts to promote cultural tourism and diversify its tourism offerings. Across the country, traditional events such as karapan sapi (bull racing) in Madura, adu kerbau (buffalo racing) in Tana Toraja, and pacu jawi (cow racing) in West Sumatra have drawn tourists from both domestic and international markets. These events offer a glimpse into Indonesia’s rich cultural traditions while contributing to tourism revenues and regional development.

In West Nusa Tenggara, tourism is one of the key pillars of economic development, with initiatives aimed at increasing visitor numbers to iconic destinations like Mandalika, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands. Cultural events like barapan kebo play a crucial role in drawing tourists to Sumbawa and contributing to economic growth in areas that are not traditionally known for tourism development.

Preserving Tradition While Promoting Tourism Growth

The local government’s approach to promoting barapan kebo balances cultural preservation with sustainable tourism development. By setting visitor limits for newly opened areas like Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands, where only 200 visitors are allowed per day, officials are ensuring that tourism remains manageable and eco-friendly. This careful management ensures that the region’s natural environment and cultural assets are not overwhelmed by rising visitor numbers, maintaining long-term tourism viability.

As the popularity of barapan kebo grows, the government plans to continue monitoring visitor impact and adjust policies to preserve the integrity of the sport and the surrounding ecosystems. By carefully balancing growth with sustainability, West Sumbawa is setting a precedent for responsible tourism in Indonesia, ensuring that both tourism and culture thrive hand in hand.

Diversifying Tourism Experiences and Expanding Opportunities

In addition to barapan kebo, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and other parts of West Nusa Tenggara are working to diversify tourism offerings, focusing on birdwatching, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism. These efforts are designed to spread tourism traffic across various sectors, promoting sustainable travel while showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The growing interest in eco-tourism, combined with cultural attractions like barapan kebo, strengthens the region’s position as a key destination in Southeast Asia. The government’s investment in infrastructure, community involvement, and eco-friendly practices is helping ensure that tourism continues to contribute positively to local livelihoods and environmental preservation.

Barapan Kebo’s Role in Shaping the Future of Tourism in Indonesia

The continued promotion of barapan kebo in West Sumbawa reflects Indonesia’s commitment to the preservation of culture in addition to tourism growth. Supporting traditional events and diversifying tourism experiences, along with sustainable practices, has made the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and West Nusa Tenggara increasingly attractive to domestic and international tourists.

As tourism in Indonesia continues to recover and grow, events such as barapan kebo will be increasingly important to economic diversification and the development of local traditions, securing valuable outcomes for the people of Sumbawa and beyond well into the future. With a sensitive balance between heritage preservation and tourism development, Indonesia can foster a model of tourism that respects local cultures and draws guests from around the world.