Much like watching a football match, the audience in the Garut Sheep Agility Art (SKDG) Governor’s Cup 2025 filled the stands, while only the “players” — the sheep — and their handlers took to the field. The event was held at Pamindangan Arlamba, Ranbidango Village, Tarogong Kaler District, Garut Regency, West Java, on May 3–4, 2025.
Yudi Guntara Noor, Chairman of the Indonesian Sheep and Goat Breeders Association (HPDKI), emphasized that this activity is more than just a competition. It serves as a means of preserving culture, strengthening the local economy, and fostering collaboration among breeders.
“Garut has always been closely associated with Garut sheep—livestock that carry historical, aesthetic, and economic value. This event, which brought together hundreds of participants from across West Java and beyond, proves that Garut remains a center of Indonesia’s sheep breeding culture,” he told TROBOS Livestock.
While the event may appear to be a test of agility, Yudi explained that SKDG holds deeper meaning. The evaluation is not limited to the sheep’s performance or strength during the match; it also considers aesthetic factors such as body structure, proportions, walking gait, and coat condition. This reflects the philosophy that Garut sheep are not only working animals but also hold artistic and cultural significance.
The event also served as an educational platform, bringing together breeders from diverse backgrounds to exchange insights on breeding, animal care, and genetic improvement. On a broader scale, the event aligns with national goals for enhancing the quality of livestock breeding systems.
The central government, through the Directorate General of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health (Ditjen PKH), fully supported the event. Competitions like SKDG are seen as valuable tools to appreciate local breeders and to preserve Indonesia’s native genetic resources, particularly the Garut sheep.
From the local government’s point of view, this initiative is part of a long-term vision to integrate cultural heritage, local economy, and tourism into a single, mutually supportive ecosystem.
In his speech, Agung Suganda, Director General of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, praised the Garut Regency Government for organizing an event that beautifully combines art, Sundanese culture, and sports.
