Dancers whipped each other during a traditional routine celebrating Indonesia's Independence Day on August 17.

The footage from Makassar shows the Caci dancers armed with a whip and a small shield.

The performance is a combination of dance and martial arts where each performer takes turns to avoid to opponent's blow.

To celebrate Indonesia's 76th independence day, the Makassar Manggarai Cultural Center (SBM) held a Caci event, in Tanjung Bayang, Sunday, August 15, 2021. A number of residents of Manggarai, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) in Makassar also witnessed the cultural performance which was held during the day.

Caci is one of the traditional dances originating from NTT. Caci Dance is a test of martial dexterity wrapped in a distinctive dance form

The Caci dance consists of two men fighting each other using a whip held by the first man, then the second man who is the opponent holds a shield and as much as possible avoids the opponent's blow.

This dance is classified as dangerous for beginners, therefore there are several things that must be followed if you want to play this dance, the first is that there should be no pity for the opponent when the first person swings his whip at the opponent. Then the opponent will be given the opportunity to return the blow earlier.

Furthermore, beatings are not allowed in the dance. For example, two against one is something that should not be done. Each match is carried out fairly by attacking each other in turn.

This show must be followed by music from outside the arena. The musical instruments used are drums and gongs with the chanting of the song Neggong or Dare which is again typical of the Manggarai area. Caci dance uses costumes like ancient soldiers who want to fight. On the top side using a headgear and fasteners that go around the neck.

Body parts do not use any costume or bare chest. While the bottom part is wearing white trousers with a typical Manggarai songket cloth on it. Complementary accessories are using sounds in the form of small bells and shields and whips to fight. (*)