ACEH TENGAH | INDATANEWS.COM - Around 2,000 spectators flocked to the H.M. Hasan Gayo Horse Racing Track in Blang Bebangka Village, Pegasing District, Aceh Tengah, on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Amid loud cheers from the crowd and fierce competition among 205 horses, joint personnel from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the Satpol PP/WH worked to maintain security during the final of the traditional Gayo horse racing event, ensuring that the competition proceeded safely through to its conclusion.
The horse race was held as part of celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The competition began at around 10 a.m. local time and immediately drew strong public interest.
From the opening race, the number of spectators continued to grow, filling the areas surrounding the track. The crowd watched nine races featuring horses from several parts of the Gayo Highlands competing against one another. The atmosphere became increasingly vibrant as the participants entered the track and spectators loudly cheered for their respective favorites.
Thousands of Spectators Pack the Race Track
The presence of around 2,000 spectators prompted security personnel to pay particular attention to public safety and order throughout the races. Personnel were deployed at several strategic points around the venue to monitor spectators, coordinate activities, and prevent potential security disturbances.
Security operations involved personnel from the TNI, Polri, and Satpol PP/WH. Several police officials directly monitored the security arrangements at the venue, including the head of the operations division of the Aceh Tengah Police, the head of the traffic unit, the head of the Pegasing Police, as well as deputy heads of the traffic and Samapta units.
They coordinated with TNI and Satpol PP/WH personnel to maintain control of the situation around the race track. The coordination was also aimed at ensuring that spectators could enjoy the competition without disrupting the races.
Aceh Tengah Police Chief AKBP Muhamad Taufiq, S.I.K., M.H., through Public Relations Chief AKP Rasimin, said security personnel implemented an integrated security approach throughout the event.
"We are carrying out security measures jointly with the TNI and Satpol PP/WH. Our priority is to ensure that the entire event runs safely and orderly, while allowing the public to enjoy the horse race comfortably," Aceh Tengah Police Chief AKBP Muhamad Taufiq, S.I.K., M.H., said through Public Relations Chief AKP Rasimin.
SECURITY PERSONNEL PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION: Joint personnel from the TNI, Polri, and Satpol PP/WH carried out integrated security measures at several points around the H.M. Hasan Gayo Horse Racing Track to ensure the race proceeded safely and orderly. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
205 Horses Compete in Nine Races
Beyond the large turnout, the final also demonstrated the public's strong interest in the traditional sport of the Gayo Highlands. A total of 205 horses took part in the competition.
The participants came from three regencies in the Gayo region. A total of 116 horses came from Aceh Tengah, 83 from Bener Meriah, and 19 from Gayo Lues.
The organizers held nine races during the final. Each participant sought to demonstrate speed and skill in an effort to secure the leading position. The closely contested races further contributed to the lively atmosphere at the venue.
Several horses emerged victorious in their respective classes. Peluru Kendali finished first in the Gayo Muda class. Lintes Genting Kanis won the F Muda class, while Semayang Kenko took first place in the E Muda class.
In the Gayo Tua class, Gayo Taris emerged as the top finisher. Albatroz won the F Tua class, while Putri Gelimang Raya claimed victory in the A/B Perdana class.
HORSE RACING AS A GAYO TRADITION: AKP Rasimin, Public Relations Chief of the Aceh Tengah Police, reaffirmed the police's commitment to ensuring that horse racing, a traditional sport of the Gayo people, could be held safely and comfortably. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Police Ensure Safe and Orderly Public Celebration
For the Gayo people, the horse race is more than a competition testing the speed of horses. The tradition is also an important form of public entertainment and part of the cultural heritage that continues to attract significant attention in the Gayo Highlands.
For this reason, the presence of security personnel at the venue was not limited solely to security concerns. Officers also worked to create an atmosphere in which residents could watch each race safely and comfortably.
Aceh Tengah Police Public Relations Chief AKP Rasimin emphasized that authorities wanted to ensure the festive atmosphere of the horse race went hand in hand with the maintenance of public safety and order.
"The horse race is part of the tradition and sport and holds a special place in the hearts of the Gayo people. Therefore, we want to ensure that the event runs safely and orderly while remaining enjoyable entertainment for the community," he said.
Joint security operations continued until the final race was completed. Personnel continued monitoring conditions around the track as spectators gradually began leaving the venue.
The cheers of thousands of spectators were an integral part of the festive atmosphere surrounding the traditional Gayo horse race. The fierce competition among 205 horses from Aceh Tengah, Bener Meriah, and Gayo Lues further enhanced the appeal of the event, which was held to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the joint security measures carried out by the TNI, Polri, and Satpol PP/WH helped ensure that the competition proceeded in an orderly manner. Conditions around the H.M. Hasan Gayo Horse Racing Track remained safe and stable until the event concluded. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala