Central Aceh is one of 23 regencies and cities in Aceh Province. In addition to the production of agricultural products, this area is also known as one of the tourist areas in Indonesia's westernmost province. Its cool air, as well as its diverse culture, increasingly makes this area attract tourists to visit.

Since the colonial era, Central Aceh has been known as a center of agriculture. In addition to coffee this area is also known as a producer of fruits such as oranges, avocados, as well as some types of vegetables.

Once every harvest after the harvest, Gayo people who inhabit this area, always hold a traditional horse race or commonly called pacu kude in the local language. Horse race has been going on for generations since then and still done until now.

Uniquely, horse race in Gayo land is done by children jockey who on average still attend elementary school and junior high school. They also ride horses without using saddles.

Now, the local government always holds horse race twice in a year. The first race was held in February to celebrate the anniversary of Takengon City and in August to celebrate the anniversary of the independence of the Indonesian state.

According to some historical records, the traditional horse race was first held in Takengon around 1850. At that time, the racetrack was made extending as far as 1.5 kilometers. Not circular like a racetrack at this time.

Well, what are the interesting activities in your area? Let's develop and continue to promote interesting things in our environment through this medium.

Image source: 1, 2, 3, 4

*INDONESIA*

Pacuan Kuda dan Joki Cilik, Daya Tarik dari Aceh Tengah 

Aceh Tengah merupakan salah satu kabupaten dari 23 kabupaten/kota yang ada di Provinsi Aceh. Selain karena produksi hasil pertaniannya, daerah ini juga dikenal sebagai salah satu daerah wisata di provinsi paling barat Indonesia. Hawanya yang sejuk, serta budaya yang beragam, semakin membuat daerah ini menarik wisatawan untuk berkunjung.

Sejak zaman kolonial, Aceh Tengah sudah dikenal sebagai sentra pertanian. Selain kopi daerah ini juga dikenal sebagai penghasil buah-buahan seperti jeruk, alpukat, serta beberapa jenis sayur-sayuran. 

Dulu setiap usai panen, masyarakat Gayo yang mendiami kawasan ini, selalu menggelar pacuan kuda tradisional atau biasa disebut pacu kude dalam bahasa setempat. Lomba pacu kuda ini sudah berlangsung secara turun temurun sejak saat itu dan masih dilakukan hingga kini.

Uniknya, lomba pacuan kuda di tanah Gayo ini dilakukan oleh joki-joki cilik yang rata-rata masih bersekolah di sekolah dasar dan sekolah menengah pertama. Mereka juga menunggang kuda tanpa menggunakan pelana.

Kini, pemerintah daerah setempat selalu menggelar lomba pacuan kuda sebanyak dua kali dalam setahun. Lomba pertama digelar pada bulan Februari untuk merayakan ulang tahun Kota Takengon serta di bulan Agustus untuk merayakan ulang tahun kemerdekaan negara Indonesia.

Menurut beberapa catatan sejarah, pacuan kuda tradisional pertama sekali digelar di Takengon sekitar tahun 1850. Saat itu, arena pacuan kuda dibuat memanjang sejauh 1,5 kilometer. Bukan melingkar seperti arena pacuan kuda saat ini.

Nah, apa kegiatan menarik di daerah Anda? Mari kita kembangkan dan terus mempromosikan hal-hal menarik di lingkungan kita melalui media ini.

SALAM KOMUNITAS STEEMIT INDONESIA