The Selatan Jong Race 2025

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Words and imagery by Michel Lippitsch. Michel helped set up the Jong School in Bintan, nurturing the next generation of artisans and enthusiasts. His passion for Jong racing and dedication to keeping these traditions alive is really inspiring. Each year, he organises bi-annual Jong races, ensuring that this beautiful cultural heritage continues to thrive. We're proud to sponsor these events and support Michel's efforts in celebrating and preserving Bintan's rich maritime culture.

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The rain poured down on the morning of the Selatan Jong Race 2025, a sudden and unseasonal downpour that threatened to dampen the spirits of the massive crowd that had gathered. But as the sails, meticulously crafted and decorated, stood ready along the beach, a testament to the artistry of the 14 competing villages, the community's true strength shone through. The "gotong royong" spirit, a cornerstone of Indonesian culture, came to life. Villagers and visitors alike worked together, using what they had—tarps and the sturdy trunks of beachfront trees—to construct impromptu shelters. This collective effort transformed a potential setback into an opportunity for shared camaraderie, with people huddling under the temporary canopies, sipping hot coffee and sharing local delicacies from the burgeoning bazaar, all while waiting for the weather to clear.

When the skies finally relented around 11 a.m., a gentle breeze began to stir. It was a light wind, but one that carried a surprising twist: it was coming from the northeast, a rare occurrence during the Selatan season. The seasoned participants, with their deep knowledge of wind and tide, immediately began a flurry of activity. Outriggers were swapped, masts were adjusted, and lines were re-rigged. The collective ingenuity of the sailors was on full display as they recalibrated their model racing jongs, adapting to the unexpected conditions. This initial challenge only added to the excitement, proving that the race was not just about speed, but also about the ability to improvise and master the elements.

The air was electric with anticipation as the Sekapur Sirih dance officially commenced the day's events. The graceful movements and vibrant costumes of the dancers, including my daughter, a new addition to the performance, added a layer of cultural significance to the spectacle. Following the ceremony, the races began. The 197 model jongs, each a masterpiece of engineering and tradition, were launched during the rest of the day. The light northerly winds made for a tactically challenging competition, with the finalists showcasing their incredible skill in navigating the subtle shifts of the breeze. The cheers of the audience—a diverse mix of local villagers, international tourists from the US, France, and Britain, and visitors from Jakarta, Yogya, and even the Orang Laut of Lingga and Tanjung Pinang—echoed across the beach, celebrating not just the winners, but the enduring spirit of the race itself.

As the sun began to set, the event transitioned into an evening of celebration. Trophies and prize money were awarded, but the true prize was the sense of shared community. The festivities began with a ceremony of gift-giving, an offering to the spirits of the ocean and the ancestors, a beautiful reminder of the deep roots of this tradition. The night was a cascade of artistic expression, with live dances from the children of Teluk Bakau, traditional Malay dancers, and a contemporary dance duo, all blending the past with the present. The gift of a "famous" Singaporean drummer and the sounds of local bands and Indonesian DJs filled the air, transforming the beach into a joyous, open-air festival. The rain, having made its brief and dramatic appearance, never returned, as if the spirits themselves were blessing the event, fueling the energy that carried everyone through the night, honoring and celebrating the timeless art of the racing jong.