JAKARTA, Indonesia: Under a bustling highway in Jakarta, a brown cow stood calmly as masseur Sumarwan massaged its legs to relax it before its sacrifice for the Islamic feast of Eid al-Adha. The two-year-old cow received a unique rub-down at Sumarwan’s “cow salon” to ensure it stayed in good condition for the holiday on June 17.
Sumarwan, who goes by one name like many Indonesians, explained that his massages help the cows feel relaxed and cared for. He communicates with the animals through noises and gentle kneading, claiming they sense his love and respond calmly. His services are rare in North Jakarta, making him one of only two people in the area who offer cattle massages.
The cow salon is located in an underpass, part of a makeshift livestock market where hundreds of cows and goats are sold. Despite the noise from trucks and trailers overhead, the market’s location provides shelter from Jakarta’s heat and heavy rain. According to Sumarwan, keeping the animals healthy is crucial for their suitability for sacrifice.
Sumarwan’s boss, Kastono, has been in the animal sacrifice business for 15 years, bringing livestock from Central Java to Jakarta. This year, they brought 50 cows and 120 goats, starting sales 25 days before Eid al-Adha. A cow weighing 250 kilograms can sell for between 20 million and 27.5 million rupiah ($1,225 to $1,685).
Meta, Kastono’s wife, began uploading videos of the cows being massaged to social media to attract customers and demonstrate their good treatment of the animals. This strategy aims to show potential buyers that the animals are well cared for, improving sales. Kastono emphasized that their business is not solely profit-driven but closely tied to the religious ritual, aiming to avoid burdening people financially.
The cow massages are part of their commitment to ensuring the animals are in optimal condition for the religious sacrifice, combining tradition with a unique approach to animal care.
