SOLOK, WEST SUMATRA, INDONESIA - 14 DECEMBER 2020: The owner prepares his dogs before racing at speed during a dog race with wild boar in Lubuk Sikarah District, Solok City, West Sumatra, Indonesia. This activity is a dog agility competition held in a number of areas in Ranah Minang. Usually this tradition is carried out in the context of celebrating city birthdays or welcoming the new year which is held for one week to one month.

These dogs are brought by their owners using private vehicles, from motorbikes to pickup trucks from various parts of the region. When getting off the vehicle, the owner and their dog enter the field. Each dog is tied by its neck using a long enough leash. The dogs are called one by one to the starting line. There are 10 places for each dog. Before the race starts, the dogs are clothed with a starting back number on their body parts.

There are different categories of purebred dogs and local dogs. They race to reach the finish line by baiting a pig that is displayed at the end of the track. Seeing and hearing the rebellious and screaming pigs at the committee's hands, the dogs became fierce. Once released, gallop to chase him. Each race has one winner. The winner is determined based on the dog that reaches the finish line first. After winning a series of races, dogs will be competed in the final round to win a grand prize such as a motorcycle.

That said, this dog race is a mini version of the sport of hog hunting. The dog race is generally followed by hog hunters. Apart from looking for entertainment, this opportunity is also used to train dogs in hunting. There, dogs are introduced to wild boars, in the hope that they will become increasingly sensitive to the plantation pests.

Pacu this dog as if it is an alternative entertainment for the local community. Various ages, from toddlers to elderly people, both men and women, also rejoice, and open opportunities for them to sell various foods such as impromptu markets.

Video & Text: Derauvisual / Wawan Kurniawan