Makepung: Buffalo Race.

Jembrana regency lies on the west gateway of Bali Island with its Gilimanuk port. This port connects Bali and Java island and on the other way around. On that account the first image for tourist traveling to Bali by land will be this regency.

As the territory located on the westernmost part of Bali, Jembrana regency has a distinguishing attraction called makepung of buffalo race. Due to its popular arts of this buffalo race, Jembrana is given the epithet as Land of Buffalo Race and the spirit of Buffalo Race is then made into the motto of the development in Jembrana regency.

As a matter fact, makepung is a Balinese language literally means chasing one after another. Its inspiration arises from the procession of farmers on performing mutual assistance to convey their crops by means of chariot down by two buffalos. Within ebullient climate on the flourishing harvest produced, the charioteer Endeavour to chase one after another and arrive at a place determined as the finish line. Later, this unique tradition was developed into tradition buffalo race named makepung.

In addition, the tradition of mekepung reflects this regency as the agrarian territory where the farmer community, practicing Hinduism, take advantage of this tradition as a gratitude to Goddess Sri on the wealth of crops attained. Originally, makepung tradition was sponsored by rich farmers by inviting colleagues to involve in this makepung event. They supplied all needs of the racing, included its consumption, so the event was then made into an extravagant party on the success of their harvest.

Revitalization of mekepung came about in 1960 by founding an organization that was tasked to develop and preserve this attraction. Then, two organizations of mekepung were established before the name of river dividing the downtown Negara namely Ijo Gading River. Likewise, this river comes in the demarcation of the organization. Those domiciling in the west of Ijo Gading River was named West Ijo Gading Mekepung Group along with in the east of this river named East Ijo Gading Makepung Group with red flag. From that point onward, the mekepung event was immensely attractive as its chariot has been modified, carved and painted colorfully. Similarly, the charioteers and buffaloes wear traditional costumes.

To preserve this distinctive tradition, the regional government holds the mekepung race twice a year. Mekepung Race of the regent Cup is held in August and the Governor Cup in October. Besides, each group carries out regular exercises and local races at least twice a month for the year 2006, the makepung race of Regent Cup was held on 13^th August at the Mekepung Circuit of Kaliakah.