Foreign Tourists Join a Cracker-Eating Contest to Commemorate Indonesia Independence Day in Yogyakarta

Share:

On Sunday, the 6th of August 2023, a traditional competition was held to commemorate Indonesia’s independence day in Kapanewon Sewon, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). The matches include several staple conventional games, such as a cracker-eating contest: a marbles contest, and many more.

The video of the cracker-eating competition in Sewon, Bantul, went viral on Twitter and Instagram because foreign tourists had been participated in it.

The village youth leader, Mael, was one of the committee members and the person in charge of the competition to commemorate Indonesia’s independence day, which went viral on social media.

Contacted by the local news on Sunday, the 6th of August 2023 evening, Mael said that the three foreign tourists who participated in the competition to commemorate Indonesia’s independence day just happened to stop at his village in Yogyakarta.

Foreign Tourists Join a Cracker-Eating Contest to Commemorate Indonesia Independence Day in Yogyakarta
Source Tribun News

“So, in the village where we live, foreign tourists often pass by while cycling. They usually enjoy the view of the rice fields and cow pens,” said Mael.

“The momentum was just right when they were passing by while cycling; we were holding a cracker-eating competition, and we asked the tour guide whether they wanted to try to join the competition. The foreign tourists were excited about our offer, “explained Mael.

At least nine foreign tourists stopped by to witness and participate in a series of traditional game competitions to commemorate Indonesia’s independence day in this village in Bantul, Yogyakarta.

However, only three foreign tourists that were participated in the competition. Mael said that residents of Semail RT 03, including the competition committee, were very enthusiastic when foreign tourists wanted to participate in the competition to commemorate Indonesia’s independence day.

To maintain the smooth running of the cracker-eating contest, attended by three foreign tourists, the committee even got on a chair to adjust their height to the foreign tourists participating in the competition.

“Those of us who have even climbed on chairs have not reached the height of the bamboo (meanwhile) the foreign tourists only need to stand up and have the same height as (bamboo),” said Mael while laughing.

Interested in this topic? Check out our other articles from Social Expat: 

Content Writer

Being in love with writing at a young age, Anasya is eager to play with words and touch hearts. She’s been a content writer for a little over four years and officially be part of Social Expat in March 2023. Her perfectionism drives her to give her best on every project she handles.

Related News

President Prabowo Subianto met with King Charles III in London, where the two leaders agreed on cooperation between Indonesia and the United Kingdom in ecosystem restoration and environmental preservation, particularly in Indonesia’s national parks. The meeting took place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Lancaster House in London. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the […]

A Romanian citizen listed as an Interpol red notice fugitive has been arrested in Bali following a joint operation by Indonesian authorities. The suspect, Costinel Cosmin Zuleam (33), was detained in Denpasar on January 15, 2026, after his location was detected through activity on his Facebook account. Zuleam was arrested by a joint team involving […]

Bali has been named the Best of the Best Destination at the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2026, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. The recognition places Bali at the top of TripAdvisor’s global rankings, based on traveller reviews collected over 12 months. Bali Ranked World’s Best Destination in TripAdvisor Awards […]

A sinkhole has appeared in Nagari Situjuah Batua, Limapuluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra, drawing attention from residents and authorities. The hole is estimated to be around 15 metres deep and formed in the middle of a rice field. As reported by Kompas TV on Monday, January 5, 2026, the sinkhole emerged after residents heard a […]

Expat Events

Indonesia Visas

Expat Event

Business Networking
150,000
Casa Cuomo Ristorante & Lounge

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery