A lively atmosphere enveloped the grounds of the Kalaena District Agricultural Extension Center on Friday (June 26, 2026), as the 'Ronggeng Racing Team Part 1 Paddy Transport Motorcycle Race Folk Festival' was officially opened. This event served as a major attraction for local residents, who crowded the location to watch the farmers' dexterity in controlling their harvest transport motorcycles along the racing track.
Paddy transport motorcycles (ojek gabah) themselves are a unique automotive phenomenon in rural areas, where motorcycles are modified to conquer muddy paddy field terrains inaccessible to four-wheeled vehicles. Through this competition, these vehicles—the daily backbone of farmers' mobility—are transformed into a means of recreation that strengthens social bonds among residents after completing the harvest season.
A total of 60 racers from various regions participated in the 110 cc standard local load motorcycle category. To motivate the participants, the committee provided total prize money of 40 million rupiahs. Showing immense support, the Regent of East Luwu, who attended to open the event in person, provided additional support in the form of two motorcycles for the winners, exceeding the committee's initial request for just one unit.
More than just a speed competition, the Regent of East Luwu hopes this event can trigger micro-economic activity by involving local MSMEs around the location. He encouraged this event not to stop as a mere annual ceremonial agenda, but to continue to be developed in the future. In fact, an idea emerged to integrate tractor racing in the next edition to add to the competition's appeal.
The opening ceremony proceeded solemnly with the presence of the Forkopimcam leadership, the Chairman of IMI East Luwu, and local community figures. The high enthusiasm from participants and spectators serves as a positive sign that creativity based on local wisdom, such as the paddy transport motorcycle race, has great potential to become a routine agenda eagerly anticipated by the public.
