Mataram, NTB, Jan. 13 -- Buffalo racing, or locally known as Barapan Kebo , has kicked off the new year 2026 in West Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

The muddy arena of Bentiu serves as more than just a place to race the buffalo in pairs; it is a meeting point between the past and the future.

This agrarian tradition, which evolved from the practical need to plow fields, has transformed into a living cultural identity that also serves as a backbone for the local economy.

In an era marked by social change, economic pressure, and rapid modernization, buffalo racing offers a valuable glimpse into how local culture can be preserved while remaining relevant in the modern world.

Over the past few years, the West Sumbawa District Government...