SARGA.CO—It never crossed Hengki Yandrika’s mind that one day he would become a horse racing commentator. However, his love for horses has led him to a career full of dedication in the world of Indonesian horse racing. This is the story of Hengki, one of the voices now familiar to the ears of the nation's racing enthusiasts.
Hengki Yandrika spends his days as an entrepreneur with an unusual hobby: his deep love for horses. Amidst his busy schedule, he is also actively managing a YouTube channel featuring content about the equestrian world.
In a special opportunity, the SARGA.CO team managed to chat with Hengki. He admitted that his love for horses has grown since childhood, even though not a single member of his family shares the same interest.
In his hometown, many tourist horses were common in the recreation area. Every weekend, young Hengki routinely went there just to see the horses up close, enjoying every movement and the strength of the animal he admired.
The turning point occurred in 1999 when he witnessed a local horserace in Ambarawa. It was from there that his interest in the world of horseracing truly grew. Even since kindergarten, Hengki had dreamt of owning a horse himself.
It took a long time for that dream to become a reality. It was not until 2023 that his dream of owning a horse was finally realized.
Previously, economic limitations forced him to hold back the desire for quite a while. He knew that owning a horse was not simple. It requires land for a stable, routine care, and a considerable cost.
Now, all the struggle feels worthwhile. Hengki proves that his love for horses will always find its way, right on time.
In fact, Hengki is now one of the figures directly involved in national-level horseracing events, namely as a commentator. A rare opportunity for anyone who truly loves the horse racing world.
Through his role, Hengki is not just voicing the progress of the race, but also channeling his passion and love for horses to viewers across Indonesia.
His horse-related hobby further strengthened his dedication to the nation's horse racing world.
Especially when the Chairman of the Race Commission, Ir. H. M. Munawir, entrusted him to become a horseracing commentator, specifically at the 58th Pordasi National Horseracing Championship Series II in 2024 (Kejuaraan Nasional ke-58 Pacuan Kuda Pordasi Seri II Tahun 2024), which was held at the Tegalwaton Racetrack, Semarang Regency.
That trust certainly did not come out of nowhere, but thanks to Hengki's deep ability and knowledge about horse racing.
Nevertheless, being a commentator is not an easy task; it is a great responsibility that demands totality and consistency.
"This is not a trivial event. So, it is an honor for me," he said proudly.
Therefore, he always tries to perform with total dedication in every role he takes as a commentator in various routine championships held by PORDASI.
Hengki's dedication to the world of horse racing is truly undeniable. Despite being trusted to be a commentator for the last two years, he still prepares himself seriously before every race.
Hengki admitted that two days before the race takes place, he already starts making thorough preparations.
"I always study the track record of the competing horses. What their running style is like, and so on," Hengki explained.
But for Hengki, none of that is a burden. He enjoys every process.
"Perhaps it can be said that the blood flowing in my body is already full of horse racing. So, there are no challenges, let alone feeling it as a burden," he said with a proud smile.
His love for horses makes Hengki carry out his role as a horse racing commentator with total dedication. Although his profession brings income, he absolutely does not use it as a means to seek big payments.
"I don't expect payment. If I were thinking about money, I could ask for a rate of IDR 5 million for a single commentary session," he explained casually.
For Hengki, what matters most is not the money but the camaraderie and connection with fellow horse lovers.
"The important thing is being able to meet friends who are fellow horse lovers, that alone makes me happy," Hengki added.
For him, the love for the equestrian world cannot be measured by any number. Providing beneficial information to horse racing fans is a satisfaction in itself.
"My love for the hobby of horseback riding is truly sincere, purely for the sake of God (lillahi ta’ala)," he stated firmly.
For Hengki, the best moments while being a commentator are not about the spotlight or the big stage, but the opportunity to strengthen relationships (silaturahmi) and share enthusiasm with horse racing enthusiasts across the nation.
Along with the growing public interest in horse racing, Hengki also advises anyone interested in following his footsteps as a commentator.
For Hengki, being a horse racing commentator is not just about a loud voice or the ability to speak in public. More than that, there must be a sincere love for the world of racing.
"To become a commentator, you must love racing. You must have a sincere and pure intention to spread knowledge about horses," he advised.
He also emphasized the importance of continuously learning and following the developments in the equestrian world, from the latest issues to technical knowledge about the horses themselves.
"The important thing is to be sincere, purely dedicated, that's all," he concluded simply but meaningfully.
Hengki Yandrika's journey proves that when something is done with love and sincerity, the results will surpass mere achievement.
Through his role as a commentator, he not only conveys the progress of the race. More than that, he also transmits enthusiasm, knowledge, and love for the equestrian world to many people.
Besides Hengki, there are still many interesting stories from the figures behind the national horse racing championships.
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