Pacoajara Horse Racing
The Thrilling Traditional Festival of Dompu, West Nusa Tenggara
The Thrilling Traditional Festival of Dompu, West Nusa Tenggara
Pacoajara is a traditional horse racing festival held annually in Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Unlike modern horse racing, Pacoajara features young jockeys—often children aged 7 to 12—who ride bareback at high speeds across a 2.5 km sandy track and muddy track.
The event is not just a sport but a deep-rooted cultural expression of the local Dompu communities. It symbolizes courage, tradition, and communal pride. The races are usually held during local festivals or national holidays, drawing thousands of spectators from across Indonesia and beyond.
The main venue is Lepadi Field in Pajo Subdistrict—a flat, open plain perfectly suited for this high-adrenaline spectacle.
No saddles, no reins—pure skill and bravery
Accompanied by music, food, and local art
Children as young as 7 lead the race
Pacoajara dates back over a century. Originally, it was held to train horses for agricultural and transportation use. Over time, it evolved into a competitive and celebratory event.
The name "Pacoajara" comes from the local Dompu language—"Paco" meaning "race" and "Ajara" referring to spirited, energetic horses.
Today, Pacoajara is recognized by the Indonesian government as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage. It plays a vital role in preserving local identity and attracting cultural tourism to Dompu.
Some horses in Pacoajara can reach speeds up to 60 km/h! Spectators often line both sides of the track, cheering loudly as riders sprint toward victory.
Tourist from Jakarta
"Pengalaman yang luar biasa! Suasana balapannya sangat meriah, dan keberanian anak-anak joki membuat saya terkesan. Pasti akan kembali tahun depan!"
Travel Blogger
"An unforgettable cultural experience! The energy, the traditions, and the hospitality of the Dompu people made this one of my best trips in Indonesia."
Feel the thunder of hooves as horses sprint across Lepadi Field
Try Dompu specialties like Mie Tiban and Sate Rembiga
Traditional music, dance, and local art exhibitions
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