The Independence Day celebration is the most awaited moment for Indonesians to celebrate the spirit of nationalism. Usually, Indonesians celebrate the excitement of Independence Day by conducting various activities, including fun competitions.
From climbing poles and eating ‘krupuk’ to one that is quite famous and widely practised is the sack race, a.k.a Balap Karung.
Balap karung is a traditional Indonesian game that usually played in the Independence Day celebration. The game of Balap karung, which involves using gunny sacks, is played in almost every region in Indonesia. It is said that this game has existed since the Dutch colonial era.
However, something truly inspiring happened in Bantul, Yogyakarta. A group of foreigners from Germany not only visited Indonesia but also actively participated in the August 17 race.
Instead of just being tourists, they became a part of the local culture by joining the sack race in Bantul, DI Yogyakarta.
The video of foreigners taking part in the August 17 race, uploaded to the TikTok account @merapiuncover_, went viral and garnered many comments.
@merapiuncover_ Edisi Agenda tahunan 🇮🇩 Judule pitoelasan nyenengke Bule Karo Pakle🤣 Tahun wingi Belanda, saiki Giliran tamune dulur Jerman🇩🇪 📍Lomba Balap Karung 📍Semail, Bangunharjo, Sewon, Bantul Thanks to : 📌 Guyub Rukun RT 03 📌 Seluruh Warga RT 03 📌 UMKM setempat #Sewon #Bantul #Mbantul #Jogja #Yogyakarta #Merapi #Merapiuncover #Merapinews #Fyp #fypシ゚viral 📸 @mesemkalemm ♬ suara asli – Merapi Uncover
Indeed, many local residents seemed to not only participate in the race but also watch the foreigners’ actions.
It seemed that the foreigner was attracted by the crowd in Indonesia’s Independence Day competition. Then, out of curiosity, the foreigner took part in Balap Karung competition.
“Annual Agenda Edition. Judule pitoelasan nyenengke Bule Karo Pakle, Last year the Netherlands, now it’s the turn of the German guest,” wrote the caption of the @merapiuncover_ TikTok account.
The video received an interesting response from netizens. Many laughed at the foreigners’ enthusiasm.
“(Please) hand over the prize early before the foreigners go home,” a netizen commented.
“The excitement beat the Olympics,” said another netizen.
Have you ever participated in an Indonesian Independence Day competition? What was your experience like? We’d love to hear about it and celebrate with you.
