A man identified as I Nengah Sudana, approximately 50 years old, died on Sunday afternoon during a traditional cockfighting event in Denpasar, Bali, after being struck by a blade attached to a rooster. The incident marks the second fatal case linked to cockfighting events in Bali in recent weeks and has prompted renewed scrutiny of the practice.
“There was a fatality caused by the blade of a fighting rooster at the cockfighting arena in Abian Tubuh, Kesiman, East Denpasar,” police spokesman I Ketut Sukadi
Sudana was attending a tajen, a form of traditional Balinese cockfighting, when the fatal incident occurred. Local officials reported that one of the roosters, equipped with a sharp metal spur, broke free before the match began and lunged at another bird. A nearby individual managed to avoid the attack, but Sudana, who was standing close to the scene, was struck in the abdomen by the rooster’s blade.
“The victim, who was standing next to [the other spectator], was unable to avoid the attacking rooster and was struck, causing a wound,” Sukadi said.
Event Held at Unlicensed Venue
According to village official Wisna, the metajen activity at the location had been held regularly, though not daily. The event was open to local residents both as spectators and participants.
“Has there been coordination or permission with the authorities, it is clear that the permit may not have been,” said the Traditional Village Bendesa of Kesiman Village, I Made Wisna, when contacted by detikBali, Tuesday (29/7/2025)
“He said that this is an effort. Yes, the name of the business must be coordinated,” said Wisna
Following a meeting between representatives of the Desa Adat Kesiman and the event organizer, identified as Made Balik, it was revealed that the cockfighting activity involved elements of commercial enterprise. While metajen is traditionally allowed in Bali as part of religious and cultural rituals, Wisna noted that the presence of commercial interests raises suspicions of gambling.
“Well, this will be a consideration for the customary village for the next time not to carry out this (metagen) in the arena,” he added.
Police Confirm Details of the Incident
Authorities confirmed that Sudana was not an active participant in the fight but was observing when the rooster broke loose. The bird unexpectedly attacked another nearby rooster before the match officially started. While one man managed to evade the sudden confrontation, Sudana was fatally injured by the rooster’s sharp spur.
Following the incident, the typically active cockfighting venue fell silent. No further matches or spectators were observed at the location. Officials also noted that ritual cleansing ceremonies, usually performed after such incidents, had not yet been fully carried out.
Ongoing Attention on Traditional Events
The death of Sudana follows a recent similar fatal incident involving cockfighting in Bali, adding to a growing concern over the regulation of such traditional events. Although tajen is legally permitted in the context of cultural or religious practices, events held for profit or associated with gambling fall outside legal protections and may be subject to enforcement action.
As of now, local authorities have not announced any formal charges or further action against the event organizer. The status of the ongoing investigation or any potential restrictions on future cockfighting events at the venue has not been disclosed.
