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SARGA.CO – When talking about horse racing in Indonesia, the Sultan Agung Racecourse in Bantul, Yogyakarta, now stands as one of the nation's iconic equestrian venues. But few would guess that this ±8-hectare track was once merely a sugarcane field belonging to the Madukismo sugar factory. The long journey of building this racetrack began with the concern and dreams of local horse racing enthusiasts in Yogyakarta.
The Origin of the Idea: A Dream of a National-Standard Arena
In early 2008, several board members of PORDASI DIY (Indonesia Equestrian Sports Federation – Yogyakarta), along with horse owners, met with Bantul Regent Idham Samawi to propose the construction of a national-standard racetrack.
They envisioned a facility that would not only meet technical standards but also to elevate Yogyakarta's achievements in horse racing and boost the local economy.
After several meetings, Regent Idham Samawi backed the idea. He instructed relevant government departments to survey the land west of Sultan Agung Stadium. The result: approximately 8 hectares were available—ample for building a track that met national standards.
The regent emphasized that the racecourse would bring multiple benefits for residents, including:
Economic opportunities, such as building rental stables for horse owners
New job prospects, from grass gatherers and grooms to future jockeys learning from veterans
Tourism development, as national racing events were expected to draw over 10,000 spectators, including participants and support teams from across the country
Building the Dream Arena
Once approved, the design for the racecourse was drafted in March 2008, following the National Horse Racing Championship Guidelines No: 05A/PP/KP/2003. These regulations required a minimum track length of 1,200 meters and a width of 16 meters for national-level events.
The design was created not just to meet regulations but also to support routine training for jockeys and racehorses in pursuit of national achievements.
Over time, Sultan Agung Racecourse has evolved into a central hub for horse racing activities in Indonesia. It now hosts major events like the IHR-Indonesia Derby, and has become the birthplace of many legendary horses and jockeys. Moreover, its presence has transformed Bantul into a destination that blends sporting excellence, cultural pride, and tourism appeal.
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