Mataram, NTB (ANTARA) – 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 has included Barapan Kebo in its official calendar of events. In early 2026, the races are being held at various locations across the district.The event is not merely a form of entertainment, but also proof that local traditions remain vibrant. A real economic cycle emerges around the race arena, with thousands of spectators attending and small vendors benefiting from the crowds.Barapan Kebo demonstrates that culture is a genuine social and economic asset.Yet a fundamental question remains: to what extent is buffalo racing treated as a strategic priority, rather than merely a ceremonial event?The year 2026 presents new challenges. As regions compete to strengthen tourism and creative economies, traditions such as Barapan Kebo require a more deliberate approach to ensure they do not fade into nothing more than seasonal spectacles. Agrarian heritageBarapan Kebo was born from the agrarian life of Sumbawa residents. The tradition is rooted in the process of plowing heavy clay soil, where buffaloes were driven to soften the land before the planting season.What began as a practical necessity has evolved into an activity governed by specific rules and values, emphasizing cooperation, sportsmanship, and respect for nature.In West Sumbawa, the tradition endures because it is deeply embedded in community identity. Buffaloes are not viewed merely as livestock, but as an integral part of the agricultural cycle.When races are held, people from various villages and districts gather. The arena becomes a social space where old stories meet new ones, making Barapan Kebo far more than a competition.The Barapan Kebo events held in early 2026 have successfully boosted the local economy, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Food and beverage vendors, artisans, as well as local transport and parking service providers have all felt the positive impact.This has highlighted the fact that cultural traditions create multi-layered economic effects, even though they are often overlooked in formal policy planning.Nevertheless, this agrarian heritage is also facing pressures. Changes in farming practices, shifting interests among the younger generation, and the rising dominance of cattle are threats to buffalo farming.Without intervention, Barapan Kebo will be at risk of losing its core foundation: the sustainability of the buffalo population and the local knowledge that comes with it. Economic and cultural valuesThe year 2026 places Barapan Kebo at a crossroads between preservation and commercialization.The buffalo races can be a unique tourism draw rooted in local wisdom, featuring the unique muddy arena, the cheers of the crowd, and the deep community involvement, which offer an authentic experience.However, an excessive focus on economic gain could erode the tradition’s core values. Risks such as exploitation, neglect of animal welfare, and dilution of cultural meaning are real concerns.Barapan Kebo must not be reduced to a mere tourism product stripped of its agrarian spirit.West Sumbawa already has important foundations in place, including race arenas and local government support. The next major challenge lies in management.Barapan Kebo needs to be integrated into a broader ecosystem—connected to livestock farming, tourism, cultural education, and the creative economy. This integration would ensure sustainable economic benefits rather than short-term gains.Experiences from other regions show that successful cultural festivals strike a balance between tradition and innovation.Barapan Kebo has the same potential if it is managed as a consistent annual event with clear standards that place the local community as its main priority. PreservationBehind the cheers of the crowd and the thundering buffalo hooves on the muddy track, there is a vast ecosystem that must be nurtured through consistent policy support.For instance, the buffalo population needs to be addressed seriously through policies that are supportive of local farmers. Without them, Barapan Kebo may lose its main foundation.At the same time, knowledge on the care, training, and symbolic meaning of the buffalo racing tradition must be passed down to the younger generation, which requires more than stories, but also direct involvement in the whole process.From the public policy side, Barapan Kebo can be integrated into cultural education and community-based tourism promotion.This is aligned with the spirit of enlightening and empowering public services, where the community not only becomes spectators but also main active players who get economic benefits, as well as pride in identity.Furthermore, Barapan Kebo fosters a sense of national identity in a simple yet tangible way, demonstrating how local traditions enrich the broader tapestry of Indonesian culture.Ultimately, Barapan Kebo is a mirror that reflects how a region views its ancestral heritage amid the demands of the modern era.The year 2026 presents an opportunity to reaffirm that cultural preservation and economic development can progress hand in hand.On those muddy tracks, buffaloes run with a message of optimism: the future can be built while remaining firmly rooted in one’s own civilization.