

SARGA.CO – Indonesia is home to a wealth of talented horse racing jockeys. Unquestionably, three regions stand out as the main breeding grounds for the country’s top riders: North Sulawesi, West Java, and West Sumatra. From villages deeply rooted in horse culture, racing athletes have emerged whose names now shine on the national stage.
One of them is Meikel Soleran, a jockey from North Sulawesi who has dedicated over 19 years to the sport as a professional rider.
“In our village, nearly every household owns a horse. Breeding and caring for horses is part of daily life. So becoming a jockey isn’t just a hobby—it’s a tradition and a source of pride,” said Meikel, who began his professional career in 2005.
For him, horse racing is more than just a sport—it’s rich with cultural value and challenges. “Being a jockey isn’t easy, but there’s a special kind of satisfaction when you conquer the track and bring your horse across the finish line first,” he shared.
Agung Saidil, a young jockey from Tasikmalaya, West Java, shares the same passion. Since third grade, Agung has been riding horses.
“I’ve loved horses since I was a kid. My village has a lot of breeders and horse lovers, so I grew up in an environment that naturally led me to become a jockey,” said Agung, now known as one of the toughest riders on the national racing circuit.
The stories of Meikel and Agung are just two of many inspiring journeys of Indonesian jockeys, born from deep cultural roots, a nurturing environment, and a drive to keep racing forward.
Behind the camera flashes and the roar of the crowd, these jockeys are symbols of hard work, courage, and love for tradition. They are more than just riders—they are heroes in the saddle.
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