What is Hombo Batu?

On Nias Island in North Sumatra, young men leap over stone walls that can be up to two metres tall. Hombu Batu, or Stone Jumping, was born out of inter-tribal conflicts when men had to prove their fitness and bravery to win the status of becoming soldiers. To make things even harder, the top of the obstacle was covered with spikes and sharp bamboo sticks. The ritual of Hombo Batu is still practised today by young men demonstrating their athletic prowess to get the attention of the young women. Much to the relief of both the young men and young women, the ritual is carried out today without the spikes and sharpened bamboo.