English (International) 
Korean (South Korea)
Discover the history, traditions, and controversy of cockfighting in Indonesia. Learn 7 key things you must know about this cultural yet debated practice.
1. The History of Cockfighting in Indonesia and Around the World
Cockfighting is not a new trend, but rather a phenomenon that has spanned thousands of years across various civilizations. This practice originated from the discovery and domestication of the Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.
Early Traces in Asia
The origins of fighting cocks are believed to stem from the Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia. Within the archipelago itself, historical records indicate that this practice has been in existence since ancient kingdoms.
- Java: The story of Cindelaras from the Jenggala Kingdom, whose rooster defeated King Raden Putra’s rooster, demonstrates that cockfighting was used as a means of politics and status recognition in the 11th century.
- Bali: Known as “Tajen” or “Tabuh Rah,” this practice has been ongoing for centuries and is documented in ancient manuscripts. It holds deep spiritual functions, long before gambling elements became dominant.
- Bugis: In the La Galigo epic, cockfighting is considered a symbol of “tobarani” (courage, masculinity). Owning a superior fighting cock was a badge of honor for a man.
Spreading to the West
From Asia, cockfighting spread through ancient trade routes to Persia, and was then adopted by Greece and Rome. This practice was brought to the New World through colonization, making it a strong tradition in the Philippines and Mexico to this day.
2. Getting to Know the Most Popular Types of Fighting Roosters
The excellence of a fight heavily depends on the genetics and bloodline of the fighting rooster. Owners (bettors) worldwide hunt for these breeds to gain an advantage in the arena:
- Bangkok Chicken (Thailand): The most popular. Large physique, thick bones, intelligent fighting techniques, and powerful strikes.
- Shamo (Japan): Among the largest breeds in the world. An upright fighting style focused on hard strikes to the head.
- Saigon (Vietnam): Nicknamed Ga Non. Its distinctive feature is a neck and head without feathers. Possesses very strong endurance and defense.
- Filipino/Texas Gamecock (Philippines): Slender and agile posture, nimble, excelling in speed and accuracy when using blade spurs (gaff/razor).
3. Training and Care of Champion Roosters
Preparing a champion rooster is far more intensive than simply raising livestock. It is a combination of nutritional science, athlete-level fitness, and mental conditioning, requiring daily dedication from owners:
- Nutritious Feed: Roosters are given special food containing high protein, corn, brown rice, or traditional herbal concoctions to increase stamina and accelerate muscle growth.
- Physical Training: Owners often train roosters by having them run certain distances, lightly sparring with other roosters as training partners, and performing jump exercises to strengthen leg muscles.
- Special Care: Their feathers are cleaned, bodies massaged, and sometimes given traditional herbal medicine to maintain health.
- Fighting Mentality: Owners typically accustom roosters to seeing the arena and loud noises, so they are not easily frightened during actual matches.
4. How Cockfighting is Conducted
The initial stage involves both rooster owners (fighters) finding a balanced opponent. The main criteria matched are body weight, age, and type of fighting technique (solah). Next comes the determination of bets (bote). After opponents are agreed upon, the main bet (key bet) is determined and submitted to the referee or bookie. Outside the main bet, spectators can also bet freely.
Then comes the installation of spurs (blades). This is the deadliest stage. Natural rooster spurs are often sharpened or replaced with artificial spurs made of sharp metal (small blades) and tied precisely to the rooster’s legs.
Cockfighting is usually conducted in a special arena called “kalangan” or “gelanggang.” Before being released, roosters are bathed or rubbed with water and massaged to refresh and calm their muscles. Traditional referees often use a classic time marker method, namely, with ceeeng (a perforated coconut shell placed in water). When the shell sinks, one round or time period (one air) ends.
When the fight begins, both roosters are released and will instinctively attack immediately. When the ceeeng sinks, the referee separates the roosters for a short break (about 5 minutes). Owners will provide emergency care such as cleaning wounds, applying water, or massaging to prepare the rooster for the next round. Fights are divided into rounds, usually 15-20 minutes per round, and can last up to four rounds.
Standard rules for determining the winner are very clear and often merciless:
- Win by KO/Death: If one rooster dies on the spot or suffers fatal wounds that render it unable to move.
- Win by Flight (Escape): A rooster that runs, jumps out of the arena, or refuses to fight again is declared the loser.
- Draw/Bedu: If both roosters are unable to fight until the maximum time limit without either fleeing, the fight can be declared a draw (bedu).
After determination, bets are paid, and the losing rooster (especially if dead) is usually taken home by its owner. In the context of Balinese ritual (Tabuh Rah), the dead rooster will be offered as a sacred sacrifice.
5. Legal Controversy: Gambling
The main issue that makes cockfighting illegal in many countries is gambling (money betting) that almost always accompanies it.
Legal Status in Indonesia
- Criminal Gambling: In Indonesia, cockfighting accompanied by betting is a criminal offense under Criminal Code Article 303. Perpetrators and organizers face criminal penalties.
- Cultural Exception: In Bali, only the purely Hindu religious ritual practice of Tabuh Rah receives tolerance, provided the gambling element is very limited and strictly supervised by traditional villages.
This phenomenon creates a gray area, where strong traditional values clash with modern legal rules that must be enforced.
6. Ethical Controversy: Animal Welfare Issues
Globally, cockfighting faces harsh criticism from ethical and moral perspectives because it involves animal suffering.
The Clash of Values
This controversy creates a sharp moral dilemma:
- Traditional Argument: Communities argue that roosters are naturally fighters, and this practice is part of their culture.
- Modern Ethics Argument: Critics argue that humans should not use the suffering of other living beings as a means of entertainment or financial gain. Modern ethics demands that traditions adapt to principles of animal protection.
The installation of spurs designed to kill and the use of illegal drugs on roosters are forms of cruelty increasingly unacceptable in the contemporary world.
7. The Future of Cockfighting: Tradition or Ban?
What is the fate of cockfighting in the future?
- As a cultural tradition, cockfighting has historical and symbolic value that cannot be ignored.
- As an entertainment practice, cockfighting faces enormous pressure from the law, animal organizations, and modern values.
Cockfighting becomes a mirror of how tradition and modernity often meet in a space of tension, and how we as a society choose to respond will determine the fate of this tradition in future generations.
The Dilemma of Culture vs. Modern Morality
Cockfighting reflects a society’s struggle to honor the past while embracing a more ethical and law-abiding future. The future of cockfighting depends on how society can balance respect for local culture with commitment to humanitarian values.
Perhaps a middle ground that can be taken is separating cultural aspects from violent practices. Symbolic rituals can still be preserved without having to maintain bloody animal fights.
Some cockfighting arenas are transforming into more legal and organized competitions with strict rules to protect animals and participants. There is also education for the community about the importance of animal welfare in cockfighting. As a tradition rich in cultural values, cockfighting has the potential to survive if it can balance cultural, entertainment, and ethical aspects.
What do you think? Can this tradition survive amid changing times without sacrificing ethics?
