Indonesia's Independence Day celebrations, a vibrant display of national pride and festive spirit, are marked by a range of engaging activities, from pole climbing to eating ‘krupuk’. However, this year’s festivities took an unexpected and heartwarming turn in Bantul, Yogyakarta.

Among the traditional games played across the country, the sack race, known locally as Balap Karung, is a standout favorite. This lively race, which involves hopping in gunny sacks, has been a beloved part of the Independence Day celebrations since the Dutch colonial era. It’s a staple of the national festivities, cherished for its fun and communal spirit.

This year, the local celebration saw a delightful twist when a group of visitors from Germany joined in the festivities. Instead of remaining as mere observers, these tourists fully embraced the local tradition by participating in the Balap Karung race.

The moment was captured in a video uploaded to TikTok by the account @merapiuncover_, which quickly went viral. The footage shows the German guests energetically hopping their way through the race, much to the delight of the local participants and spectators.

“Annual Agenda Edition. Judule pitoelasan nyenengke Bule Karo Pakle, Last year the Netherlands, now it’s the turn of the German guest,” reads the caption on the TikTok post.

The video sparked a wave of positive reactions online, with netizens expressing their amusement and admiration for the foreigners’ enthusiasm. Comments ranged from playful remarks like, “(Please) hand over the prize early before the foreigners go home,” to praise such as, “The excitement beat the Olympics.”

This heartwarming incident not only added an extra layer of joy to the Independence Day celebrations but also highlighted the universal appeal of cultural traditions.

Have you ever participated in an Indonesian Independence Day competition? Share your experiences with us and join in the celebration of this unique and joyous tradition.