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19 March 2024

Volcanic eruptions no match for cockfighting, Bali-style

Photo: AFP

Published
By AFP

A volcano may be rumbling off in the distance, but for a group of Balinese men and their fighting roosters it's the roar of the crowd that says the show must go on.

Far off the Indonesian resort island's tourist trail, heavily-tattooed men gather at a clandestine site where birds battle each other - usually to the death -  in a gory spectacle known as tajen that meshes bloodsport with ancient Balinese Hindu traditions.

About 100 male spectators gather on bamboo benches around a dirt ring as two roosters pulled from wicker baskets lunge at each other even before the match starts.

The two owners exchange birds to check weight and temperament, a show of sportsmanship to make sure they're evenly matched.

"If the owners of both fighters reach a deal and say 'okay, let's fight', then the roosters fight," said I Made Gunawan, who's rooster was fighting that day.

A small dagger about 10 centimetres (four inches) long is tied to each rooster's left ankle.

The heady smell of incense wafts over the ring as a roar erupts from the crowd. Bets are placed, usually between 20,000 and 100,000 rupiah each ($1.50-$7.50), with most events lasting 15 fights.

'Good fighters'

The roosters are set loose and feathers fly in an explosion of jumping and pecking that sets the already excited crowd into a bloodthirsty frenzy.

The match goes the distance - three rounds over eight minutes - until the referee calls it a draw. Both roosters, weak and wounded, are unable to keep fighting.

The ankle blades usually make it a fight to the death in a matter of minutes, punctuated by trails of blood seeping into the dirt.

The winner's owner not only gets bragging rights and some of the betting proceeds - usually 10 percent of the purse which can reach $2,000 - but they also get the carcass of their opponent's rooster, for eating.

"My fighter lost today - it won the last time," said Sudira as he helplessly watched his dying rooster be slaughtered to make dinner.

It's a short career for surviving roosters, who are retired after just a few matches.

"They're then used to breed with hens," said Kadek Rudi, whose best fighter was recovering from severe belly wounds.

"The offspring will also be good fighters like their father."

The fight took place not far from Mt. Agung, which recently burst to life again, sparking mass evacuations and leaving tourists stranded after the main airport was temporarily shuttered.

Despite the dangers, leaving his roosters alone in Pring Sari, a tiny community less than eight kilometres from the belching crater, was not an option for Wayan Kompyang.

"I have to keep taking care of them to make sure they are healthy and ready to fight after this situation calms down," he said.