Observation of the Tok-Tok Cattle Contest to Increase Ecotourism Potential on Bawean Island 

Bawean Island is an island located in the Java Sea, located about 120 kilometers north of Gresik. Besides being famous for its beautiful beaches, Bawean has endemic animals, namely deer and cows. The types of cattle identified were Bali cattle, Madura cattle and Bawean cattle (a cross between Bali cattle and Madura cattle). However, according to the village head of Kelompang Gubug village, the largest population is currently the brood of red or Madura cattle, which are used for cow fighting contests known as tok-tok.

Reading this potential, a research team from the Gamete Cell Bank study group, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya (Fapet UB) conducted observations for 10 days, Wednesday – Friday (27/7 – 5/8/2022). They consist of Prof. Gatot Ciptadi (chairman), Dr. Agus Budiarto and Ardyah Irsanti R. Putri, MSi, and involved students.

The experiment conducted by the research team used 23 pairs of bulls of various breeds. Classification of cattle based on performance and body size into small and large classes. While the technique of determining the winner is based on the consistency of running out of the arena which lasts between 2 minutes and 20 minutes. 

Prof. Gatot said that if in the future the safety factor for spectators can be prepared and become a priority, then the cow tok-tok contest can attract tourist visitors to Bawean Island. 

“Various types of cattle on Bawean Island have the potential to be developed, improved both in quality and quantity, for trade, fulfilling livestock production, ecotourism or tok-tok cattle cultural tourism. (BSG-01/dta)