SARGA.CO—Jateng Derby 2025 is not just an arena for the best horses and jockeys to compete but also a historic moment, introducing a special award dedicated to horse racing jockeys. The events occurred on the same day as the February 16 race at the Tegalwaton Horse Racing Track in Semarang Regency.
The award ceremony marks the first step by SARGA.CO and PP. PORDASI in increasing appreciation for professional horse racing jockeys. This initiative is part of the Race of Rising Stars campaign spearheaded by SARGA.CO.
Elevating the jockey profession
Sixty jockeys from across Indonesia participated in this prestigious championship, showcasing intense and passionate competition. Amidst the thrilling races, SARGA.CO and PP. PORDASI introduced a new initiative by presenting special awards to the jockeys, recognizing their significant role in the Indonesian horse racing industry.
Aryo Djojohadikusumo, Chairman of PP PORDASI for the 2024-2028 term, and Kevin Jonathan Van Houten, VP of Marketing and Operations at SARGA.CO was present at the event. Both directly congratulated the jockeys and handed out certificates of appreciation and souvenirs.
Aryo Djojohadikusumo is giving an award to the jockey
Source: SARGA.CO
In an interview with the media, Kevin Jonathan Van Houten emphasized the importance of jockeys in the horse racing industry and how SARGA.CO aims to elevate its profession.
“Until now, horse racing jockeys have not received enough recognition in Indonesia, even though their profession is crucial to organizing more competitive and professional horse racing championships. We hope that SARGA.CO’s presence not only brings greater appreciation to the jockey profession but also inspires jockeys to stay motivated throughout the season while encouraging the emergence of new Indonesian talents who can grow into professional horse racing jockeys.”
Meanwhile, Aryo Djojohadikusumo stated that 2025 marks a turning point for developing the sport of horse racing, particularly in providing greater appreciation for jockeys.
“Alhamdulillah, the enthusiasm is extraordinary. This is the first event in PORDASI’s history to honor all horse racing jockeys. We want to acknowledge and appreciate those actively involved in this sport.”
Jockeys’ enthusiastic response
The jockeys competing in Jateng Derby 2025 warmly welcomed the initiative of awarding recognition to them. Sutrisno Abadi, one of the participating jockeys, expressed his pride in SARGA.CO’s efforts to support the profession. “I’m happy to be part of SARGA.CO. It’s lively, it cares for jockeys, it protects jockeys—everything is great. Keep pushing forward, never back down, SARGA.CO!”
Likewise, jockey Marcel Singal praised the event, saying, “Today was amazing. I hope future events for jockeys will be even bigger. SARGA.CO, keep it up!”
A bright future for Indonesia’s jockeys
The jockeys who received the award
Source: SARGA.CO
The event also attracted horse racing enthusiasts across Indonesia, who witnessed the country’s best jockeys battle it out on the track. With increasing recognition and appreciation for jockeys, Indonesia’s horse racing ecosystem is expected to grow and become more professional.
SARGA.CO and PP. PORDASI is committed to advancing horse racing and providing jockeys more opportunities and recognition. By introducing these awards, they aim to inspire more young talents to pursue a professional career in horse racing.
