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SARGA.CO – Amid the roar of the crowd and the thunderous gallop of horses charging down the track, there’s one figure who never steps onto the podium. He’s not a jockey, not a horse owner, not even a commentator. But without him, no race would ever begin. His name is Karsono—affectionately known as Pak Kebo—a starting gate operator who has dedicated decades to the sport.
To most people, a starting box might look like nothing more than a metal enclosure where horses wait for the race to begin. But hidden behind its steel frame lies fairness, tension, and the defining moment that sets the course for glory—all determined in mere seconds.
Pak Kebo, now 60 years old, shared a little-known truth about this crucial piece of equipment: a single starting gate can cost between IDR 250 million to 300 million (approximately USD 15,000 to 18,000). A hefty sum, but one that reflects its indispensable role.
“It’s built to PP PORDASI standards,” he explained, referring to the technical specifications set by the Indonesian Equestrian Federation.
Each gate is engineered to ensure a fair start for every horse—equal door pressure, synchronized release timing, and safety mechanisms to protect both horse and jockey. Constructed with rust-resistant steel, spring-loaded systems, and precision controls, starting boxes are anything but ordinary.
Pak Kebo has witnessed thousands of horse races across Indonesia. He stands at the center of the track—silent, focused. Under the gaze of thousands of spectators and the sweat of high-stakes jockeys, it’s he who gives the most important signal of all: the moment to begin.
“Joki joki… siap?” (“Jockeys… ready?”) he calls out in his trademark tone.
There’s no countdown. No grand fanfare. Once the gates swing open, instinct takes over. The horses surge forward, the crowd erupts—and Pak Kebo fades quietly back into the background.
For Pak Kebo, managing the starting gate is more than a technical task—it’s a calling. It’s about ensuring sportsmanship on the racetrack. Despite his age, he still walks the field, checking the system, testing the doors, and making sure no horse gains an unfair advantage.
“If you release the gate too early or too late, it’s dangerous for the jockey. It has to be precise,” he explained.
Figures like Pak Kebo may never make headlines. But within the horse racing community, he is vital. The unsung hero who ensures every race starts on equal terms.
When the race ends and trophies are lifted, horses are embraced, and jockeys are cheered, Pak Kebo is already back at work. Preparing the heavy metal box worth hundreds of millions for the next round.
Because in horse racing, a fair start isn’t just ideal—it’s non-negotiable. And that’s exactly where Pak Kebo stands. Silent. Steady. Unseen. But irreplaceable.
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