| Horse racing in Indonesia | |
|---|---|
| Horseracing in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, 2019 | |
| Governing body | Equestrian Association of Indonesia (through Pordasi Pacu) |
| First played | earliest record in 1812 |
| National competitions | |
| |
Horse racing in Indonesia is a form of equestrian sport steeped in Indonesian history and culture. The history of the sport in the region can be dated back to the colonial area of the Dutch East Indies. The sport was later standardized as an official competition under the Equestrian Association of Indonesia, commonly abbreviated as PORDASI.
The national sport is structured around major events like the Indonesia Derby and the annual Kejurnas Series. Uniquely, Indonesian horse racing employs a detailed classification system based on age, height, and the percentage of Thoroughbred blood, often categorizing horses using the G-horse system to manage crossbreeding with local Sandalwood and other indigenous ponies.
Horse racing saw its peak during the New Order era with the development of major modern venues such as Pulomas. Despite a decline in popularity following the nationwide gambling ban, recent efforts have been initiated to professionalize and revive the sport, while traditional races remain an important part of the cultural landscape in regions like West Sumatra and Bima.
Most of the known history of horseracing in Indonesia comes from the Dutch East Indies colonial period. The earliest record of modern horse raceing was reported during the British interregnum in 1812, as a form of recreation for colonial officials, nobility, and the elite. [1] Over time, it has been adapted and integrated into local traditions across the archipelago, such as in Bima (known as pacoa jara), [2] Sumbawa (known as maen jaran), Aceh (known as pacu kude), [3] West Sumatra (known as pacu kudo for flat horse racing and draft bogie for carriage driving) [4] , and North Sulawesi. [5]
Horse racing in the Dutch East Indies was governed by the Javan Horse and Harness Racing Association (De Javasche Ren- en Harddraverij Vereeniging), an extension of the Netherlands Harness and Horse Racing Association (Nederlandsche Harddraverij en Renvereeniging). Several regional organizations also operated, including the Batavia–Buitenzorg Racing Club (Batavia–Buitenzorg Wedloop Sociëteit), the Semarang Horseracing Society (Wedloop Sociëteit Semarang), the Priangan Horseracing Club (Preanger Wedloop Sociëteit), [6] the Surabaya Harness and Flat Horse Racing Association (Soerabaijasche Harddraverij en Renvereeniging), [7] and the Deli Racing Association (De Deli Renvereeniging). [8] The common horse breeds used during this era included imported Australian or English thoroughbreds, Arabians, ponies, and local horses specific to each region (e.g. Preanger horse or Sandalwood pony), as well as crossbreeds. [9]
Many racecourses of the colonial era have fallen into disuse, with some being repurposed for other public usage. For example, the racecourse in Koningsplein is now a part of Merdeka Square. A racecourse in Tegallega, Bandung is now Tegallega Square which houses the monument commemorating the event of Bandung Sea of Fire. [10] A notable exception is the Bancah Laweh Racecourse in Padang Panjang, established in 1913, which inspired one of the settings in Hamka's 1939 novel titled Tenggelamnya Kapal van der Wijck. [4] [11]
Following the Dutch East Indies campaign by Imperial Japan in March 1942, the horse racing scene came to a halt. During the time, horses were primarily used for military purposes and helping war efforts until after the transfer of sovereignty to Indonesia in 1949. [4]
Horse racing enthusiasts in Indonesia took the initiative to revive the sport after its hiatus during World War II. The return of colonial horse racing in the newly born country of Indonesia began with the reopening of the Tegallega racecourse in Bandung in 1948 after repairs following damage during the Japanese occupation. In addition to the opening ceremony of the racetrack, the event also marked the reactivation of the Preanger Wedloop Sociëteit (later renamed Perkumpulan Pacuan Kuda Priangan), which had been dormant during the Japanese occupation. [12] Other organizations such as the Batavia–Buitenzorg Wedloop Sociëteit (later renamed Perkumpulan Pacuan Kuda Djakarta-Bogor) follow suit in their reopening the next year. [13]
Although horse racing organizations existed before independence, they did not yet operate on a national scale and were largely regional in nature. Efforts to unite these associations resulted in the formation of the Indonesian Horse Racing Association (Pusat Organisasi Poni Seluruh Indonesia, POPSI) around 1953, led by Lieutenant Colonel Singgih. Unfortunately, POPSI failed to develop and faded overtime. [14]
During the transition to the New Order in 1966, an exhibition race was held in Bandung on June 9. This culminated in a meeting on June 11–12, which formally established the Equestrian Association of Indonesia (PORDASI), with Achmad Sham as its general chairman. Few months later, the newly formed organization requested then-General Suharto to serve as the “godfather of Indonesian horse racing” and to permit the use of his name for the upcoming national championship. His approval was formalized through the Surat Keputusan Direktur Jenderal Olahraga No. 016/1966, dated October 28, 1966, which officially recognized PORDASI as the national governing body for equestrian sports in Indonesia. [14] Suharto’s horse, Diana, won the inaugural Soeharto Cup held in Bogor on November 12–13, 1966. [15]
In 1971, the Pulomas Racecourse was built in East Jakarta, inaugurated by then-Governor Ali Sadikin. This racecourse was developed and financed by Djakarta Racing Management, a joint venture between the Jakarta provincial government and a private Australian consortium. The racecourse's construction and operation also received support from notable figures, such as retired military officer and founder of Kopassus, Alex Kawilarang and renowned Australian racehorse trainer Bart Cummings. [16] This racecourse also introduced the totalizator system for wagering, which was legalized in Jakarta until a nationwide gambling ban was enacted in 1981. [17]
During this time, the horses that were being raced range from full thoroughbreds (some of which were imports from Australia), local horses (colloquially known as sandel), or crossbreeds. This era also introduced a new classification system for crossbred horses, known locally as G horses (kuda G), where G1 referred to the first generation of crossbreeds, G2 to the second generation (crossed again with a thoroughbred), and so forth.
This era saw the first ever winner of the Indonesian Triple Crown, Mystere, in 1977. However, the title's designation was discontinued not long after in 1979. [15]
During this time, a new term designated for crossbred horses called Kuda Pacu Indonesia was created, defined as a cross between G3 and/or G4 horses. [18]
Manik Trisula became the second horse and the first filly to win the Indonesian Triple Crown in 2002, marking the end of a 25-year hiatus in the series. Following this, Djohar Manik became the third horse to achieve the title in 2014.
Since the fall of Suharto, the popularity of horse racing in Indonesia plummeted. [19] In 2016, Pulomas Racecourse shut down its operation to make way for the new construction of Jakarta International Equestrian Park, which was completed in preparation for the 2018 Asian Games. [20]
In anticipation for the 2016 Pekan Olahraga Nasional, a racecourse in Pangandaran Regency, West Java was upgraded to fulfill national standard and was finished by August 2016. [21] [22]
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, horse racing in Indonesia continued, with major races like the A.E. Kawilarang Memorial Cup, the first leg of the Kejurnas series, and various regional races being held. [23] [24]
Efforts to revive the sport emerged again in the 2020s, with promoters such as SARGA.CO launching national racing circuits in collaboration with PORDASI to professionalize horse racing and attract younger audiences. [25] [26]
The global release of Umamusume: Pretty Derby on June 2025 unexpectedly became a catalyst for the revival of horse racing scene in Indonesia among young people. [27] The promoter SARGA.CO, which organizes national horse racing events, acknowledged the franchise’s influence and has since partnered with several local Umamusume fan communities to promote the sport. [28] [29] Coincidentally, on July 27, King Argentin achieved a historic milestone by winning all three legs of the Indonesian Triple Crown, becoming the fourth horse to accomplish the feat after an 11-year absence of a winner. [30]
Following an incident at the 2025 Jateng Derby, PORDASI enacted a new rule stating that jockeys are now only allowed to ride a maximum of six horses in one competition. Prior to this rule's enactment, jockeys were able to ride an indefinite amount of horses in a single competition, with some participating in ten to eleven races. [31]
In May 2025, The Indonesian Equestrian Association (PP Pordasi) officially signed a strategic partnership agreement with France. The cooperation agreement includes a strategic partnership with French Equestrian Federation (FFE), France Galop, Association Of Racing Stables (AFASEC), French Horse and Riding Institute (IFCE) and Filière Cheval which is a follow-up to the visit of PP Pordasi to France on March 6-9, 2025. The strategic partnership agreement was signed by Chairman of PP Pordasi Aryo Djojohadikusumo and Director General of IFCE Jean-Roch Gaillet at the State Palace, witnessed by President Prabowo Subianto and Emmanuel Macron. [32] In the case of horse racing specifically, the partnership aims to improve the standards of the races in Indonesia. These efforts include jockey training, venue construction, and a training facility in Indonesia. [33] The specific details of these efforts are as of yet unreleased. [34]
For classifications based on age, classes are divided into groups for horses aged two, three, and four years and older, with all groups including both stallion and fillies. Horses aged 2 to 3 years begin their racing careers in the Pemula or Perdana Class (beginner/maiden). Three-year-old horses are classified under the Remaja (junior) or Derby Class, and this is the only age group eligible to compete for the Indonesian Triple Crown. Meanwhile, horses aged 3 years and above can compete in the Dewasa (adult) Class, and horses aged four years and older are allowed to participate in open races covering both long and/or sprint distances.
Height classifications are based on the horse's height without considering age. In other words, horses of any age group, from two years old and up, can compete as long as they meet the established height standards and requirements.
Below are classifications based on horse height. Races in classes A through F are categorized as national championships (Kejurnas). Meanwhile, races in classes G through J are not included in the national championship category (non-Kejurnas). [35]
| Kejurnas Classifications | Non-Kejurnas Classifications | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Height (cm) | Class | Height (cm) |
| A | ≥ 161,1 | G | 134,1 – 138 |
| B | 156,1 – 161 | H | 130,1 – 134 |
| C | 151,1 – 156 | I | 127,1 – 130 |
| D | 146,1 – 151 | J | 124,1 – 127 |
| E | 142,1 – 146 | ||
| F | 138,1 – 142 | ||
As most Indonesian race horses are crossbreeds between Thoroughbreds and locals, they are classified according to their Thoroughbred blood percentage, a system commonly referred to as the G-horse grading. This is done to ensure that bloodlines can be tracked for breeding and selection.
The classification begins with G1, representing first-generation crossbreeds between local horses (also known in this classification as G0/sandel/LK) and Thoroughbreds (also known as THB). In Mendelian terms, each generation doubles the proportion of Thoroughbred genetic material, resulting in 50% (G1), 75% (G2), 87.5% (G3), and so forth. Horses beyond the 4th generation are commonly referred to using "KP", which progresses through KP5, KP6, KP7, and so on. [14]
In 1996, a new alternative designation for crossbred racehorses known as Kuda Pacu Indonesia was standardized. This generation of horses are defined as crosses between third-generation (G3) and fourth-generation (G4) breeds. This classification was officially launched by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2013. [18]
In 2021, a new classification for crossbreeds was put forward and decided on by PORDASI. This new classification, known as Gumarang, is defined as the result of crossing two KP5 - KP8 horses, and later, crossing of the resulting offspring. Though already ratified by PORDASI, the classification has yet to be officially launched. [36]
PORDASI, Indonesia's equestrian authority, mandates specific standards for professional horse racing jockeys under its official championship guidelines. To qualify, prospective jockeys must be Indonesian citizens aged 18 or older and selected by a horse trainer. [37] Licensing requires passing a medical exam (both physical and mental) and a skills assessment by the Board of Stewards, alongside a formal recommendation from the provincial PORDASI chapter. Weight management is also critical. Jockeys racing small horses must weigh at least 35 kg, while those riding national standard horses must maintain a weight between 48 kg and 55 kg. [37]
One of Indonesia's top jockeys is Coen Signal. He began his career as a jockey in the 1980s. Since then, he has won at least five Indonesia Derby races (1988, 1990, 1999, 2000, and 2004). Besides Coen, Jemmy Runtu has also won five Indonesia Derby races (2016, 2018, 2021, 2024, and 2025). Runtu is the jockey for King Argentin, the winner of the 2025 Indonesian Triple Crown. Therefore, he is considered a top jockey in Indonesian horse racing today.
These are a series of flat horse races. Each classic is run once each year and is a part of PORDASI's national calendar.
| Race | Date | Distance | Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple Crown Series 1 | March / April | 1200 meters | Triple Crown |
| Triple Crown Series 2 | May | 1600 meters | Triple Crown |
| Indonesia Derby | July | 2000 meters | Triple Crown/Kejurnas Series 1 |
| Super Sprints | October | 1300 meters | Kejurnas Series 2 |
| Star of Stars | October | 2200 meters | Kejurnas Series 2 |
Also known as Tiga Mahkota Series or Kejurnas Series 1. Indonesian horses, both colts and fillies, obtain the Triple Crown title by winning all three legs. This series consists of:
Once a year, PORDASI organizes the National Horse Racing Championship (Indonesian: Kejuaraan Nasional Pacuan Kuda, also abbreviated as Kejurnas), in which participants compete not as individuals but as representatives of their specific provincial or regional branches. The overall champion is determined by the total points earned across all racing classes. The National Horse Racing Championship is held to compete for the President’s Cup (Piala Presiden). [35]
This Kejurnas series contests racehorses based on their age divided by class. The Indonesia Derby is regarded as one of the main events within the first Kejurnas series, as it is traditionally held on the same day and integrated into the championship program. [35]
This Kejurnas series contests racehorses based on their height divided by class. The main race of this series include:
Other major races include:
Regional horse racing series include:
Outside of national competitions organized by PORDASI, regional branches and local administrators also hold their own horse racing events, ranging from modern flat races to traditional forms of competition). [38] [39] Horse racing is also commonly contested at the Pekan Olahraga Nasional, its most recent inclusion being at the 2024 edition. [40]
Horse racing has been incorporated into local traditions since it was first brought across the archipelago. Each adaptations and its variation exist, spanning from Aceh, West Sumatra, Bima (West Nusa Tenggara), Sumbawa (East Nusa Tenggara), and North Sulawesi. Traditions in Aceh (pacu kude) and Bima ( pacoa jara ) were recognized as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia in 2016. [41] [42]
Aside from flat races, both in traditional and modern sense, other forms of horse racing (mainly harness racing) exists within local Indonesian horse racing scene. In traditional Minangkabau horse racing, aside from pacu kudo, another common equestrian competition is called draft bogie. In draft bogie, the winner is determined not only by which horse crosses the finish line first, but also by the quality and consistency of its gait. [4] In North Sulawesi, harness racing is commonly known as bendi kalaper. [43]
Most horse racing tracks in Indonesia are dirt tracks, apart from Yosonegoro Racecourse in Gorontalo, which is the only turf track in the country.
| Venue | Location | Track | Status | Have hosted national-level race(s) [a] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcamanik Racecourse | Bandung, West Java | Dirt | Defunct since 2009 | |
| Balitka Racecourse | Manado, North Sulawesi | Dirt | Active | Regional |
| Bancah Laweh Racecourse | Padang Panjang, West Sumatra | Dirt | Active | Regional |
| Bukik Ambacang Racecourse | Bukittinggi, West Sumatra | Dirt [b] | Active | Regional |
| HM Hasan Gayo Racecourse | Takengon, Aceh | Dirt | Active | |
| Ki Ageng Astrojoyo Racecourse | Pasuruan, East Java | Dirt | Inactive since 2024 | |
| Kubu Gadang Racecourse | Payakumbuh, West Sumatra | Dirt | Active | |
| Legokjawa Racecourse | Pangandaran, West Java | Dirt | Active | |
| Lembah Kara Racecourse | Dompu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara | Dirt | Active | Regional |
| Maesa Tompaso Racecourse | Tompaso, North Sulawesi | Dirt | Active | |
| Pada Eweta Racecourse | Waikabubak, East Nusa Tenggara | Dirt | Active | Regional |
| Pulomas Racecourse | East Jakarta | Dirt | Defunct since 2016 | |
| Rihi Eti Racecourse | Waingapu, East Nusa Tenggara | Dirt | Active | Regional |
| Sawahlunto Racecourse | Sawahlunto, West Sumatra | Dirt | Active | |
| Sultan Agung Racecourse | Bantul, DIY | Dirt | Active | |
| Tanah Sareal Racecourse | Bogor, West Java | Turf | Defunct since 1967 | |
| Tegallega Racecourse | Bandung, West Java | Turf | Defunct since 1968 | |
| Tegalwaton Racecourse | Semarang Regency, Central Java | Dirt | Active | |
| Yosonegoro Racecourse | Gorontalo Regency, Gorontalo | Turf | Active | Regional |