At the makeshift livestock market in North Jakarta, Sumarwan offers a unique service of giving cattle massages in preparation for Eid al-Adha, the major Islamic holiday where animals are sacrificed. He is one of only two people in the area who can provide this specialized service. The market, located underneath a busy motorway, sees hundreds of cows and goats being traded before the holiday. Despite the noise and traffic above, the animals remain calm, benefiting from the shelter of the overpass.
The location of the market provides a natural shield from Jakarta’s tropical heat and heavy rain, making it an ideal spot for the livestock trade. Sumarwan emphasizes the importance of ensuring the animals are healthy before they are sacrificed, as it is a key requirement for the ritual. He is dedicated to providing massages and using balms to improve the well-being of the cows. This attention to the animals’ health is not only a religious consideration but also crucial for business success in the market.
The market is just one of many across Jakarta that sells animals for the Eid al-Adha ritual, where the meat from the sacrificed animals is shared with the less fortunate. Kastono, Sumarwan’s boss, has been in the animal sacrifice business for 15 years, bringing livestock from Central Java to sell in the capital. This year, he has brought 50 cows and 120 goats to the market, starting sales well in advance of the holiday. The cows, weighing up to 250kg, can fetch high prices of between 20 million rupiah and 27.5 million rupiah, highlighting the lucrative nature of the trade.
Meta, Kastono’s wife, confirms that the demand for healthy animals is strong in the market, with buyers willing to pay a premium for quality livestock. Kastono employs 10 workers to help manage the business and cater to the needs of the animals and customers. The emphasis on the well-being of the livestock sets this market apart from others, ensuring that the animals are in top condition for the ritual sacrifice. Sumarwan’s massage services, though unconventional, contribute to the overall health and happiness of the cows, reflecting the care and dedication of those involved in the trade.
Despite the hustle and bustle of the market and the challenge of operating underneath a busy motorway, Sumarwan and his colleagues are committed to providing the best care for the animals in their care. They take pride in their work and strive to ensure that each cow and goat is healthy and prepared for the sacred ritual of Eid al-Adha. The unique setting of the market, along with the specialized services offered, creates a distinctive experience for buyers and sellers alike. Sumarwan’s dedication to providing cattle massages illustrates the importance of tradition, respect for livestock, and the significance of the holiday in the local community.
