Indonesian people have various unique traditions to celebrate their Independence Day which takes place in every August 17th. One of them is through a competition which usually called by “Lomba Agustusan” or the August race. People from all around the country, kids, young and adult even elderly people gather together to join this country’s celebration. Find out the top 5 popular competitions of August race in Indonesia.

1. Panjat Pinang

The Panjat Pinang race is a tree-climbing competition (using a Pinang or Areca nut tree) done by a team of 10 or more people in order to get various grand prizes on the top of the tree. Meanwhile, all teams are smeared with oil so they must make a trick on how to get to the top and get the prize without keep sliding down. It is said from many sources that this competition has been done since the colonial era.

2. Makan Kerupuk

Lomba Makan Kerupuk or the cracker-eating challenge is probably the most favorite August race category for children. All participants must eat the cracker that is tied on a rope in front of them, without touching them. 

3. The Sack Race

The sack race is probably similar to running race. The difference is that all participants must wear a sack and jump until the finish line. The fun part is when one participant is losing his balance then falls down and befalls upon the other participants; it looks like a domino effect. 

4. The Tug of War

It is a worldwide game that needs a great technique and solid cooperation between the participants. This competition has been practiced since the ancient era in China, Egypt and Greece. Long time ago, some Hindu and Buddhist preachers from India brought this game into Indonesia, and now after thousands of years, this competition has become so popular especially when celebrating the Indonesian Independence day.

5. The Sarong Football

Watching a football game is ordinary, but a football game with players wearing sarong would be extraordinary entertaining. In this game, all players (which usually male) wear Sarong and in some areas you would probably find them wearing a dress.