Sagi, Traditional Boxing Matches of Ngada, Flores

Aside from its natural marvels, the island of Flores also presents wonders through its fascinating culture. One of the well-preserved cultural attractions that has been passed down from generation to generation is the Sagi traditional boxingfound in the Ngada and Nagekeo Districts. This Month, the Sagi Traditional Boxing matches are scheduled to be held at the  Boawe Village on June 20^th and at the Loa Village On June 23^rd both within the Ngada District.

The word “Sagi” or “Etu” in the Soa language means to fight with boxing. The boxing festival is spread in some areas such as in the Soa and Riung Sub Districts and is held periodically at appointed dates from one village to another. Whereas the people of Soa call it Sagi, the community of Tadho refers to it as Mbela; In Zepe, Sarasedu (in the past) and in Rowa Village it is called Sudu; while in the Nagekeo District, especially in Boawae, Rega, Nagemi, and Watugase Village it is named Etu.

The Sagi boxing itself is a celebration of thanksgiving and a ritual performed in the hope for a better harvest. Every drop of blood from the fighter’s body marks a blessing for that year’s abundant crop and is anticipated and accepted with gratitude. In addition, this traditional boxing also serves as a means to strengthen communications, brotherhood and kinship among villagers. The spirit of brotherhood is highly upheld and respected, as can be seen by their unwritten rule which sets that there shall be neither loser nor winner from the match. Furthermore, relatives of fighters are not allowed to get into the bout. Losing boxers should not hold a grudge against their opponent so as not to damage relationships among villages and between members of the society.

The contenders for the match are usually picked randomly from the audience by a member of the Mosa or organizing committee. The match uses traditional gear of buffalo horns wrapped in Palm Fiber called Kolo Ropes or Woe, while the fighter wears a traditional headband (Lesu), a scarf to protect his chest, and a traditional sarong called Ragi.

The Sagi Boxing match is generally preceded by a ritual called Kobe Dero. In this ritual, all the accessories involved in the Sagi match are blessed by the village elders or Mosalaki. The ritual will then be followed by traditional songs and a dance ritual by walking around a fire.

The Sagi Tradition is until this day still closely attached to the daily life of the Ngada society, especially in Soa. Matches of this extraordinary martial art are usually held during the summer, from May to July.

This is an unusual traditional ritual that will surely attract the more adventurous, seeking out- of- the- way places.

The villages of Ngada can be reached from Bajawa. There are daily flights from Jakarta-Kupang-Bajawa. Merpati Airlines flies daily between Denpasar and Labuan Bajo-Ende. It takes 3 hours driving from Ende, or alternatively, coming fromLabuan Bajo, the journey will take some 7 hours overland.  There are modest accommodations available around the area.