"Panjat Pinang" literaly means an activity to celebrate the Indonesia Independent Day by climbing slick areca tree to win the prize. It has been regarded as cultural event in Indonesia. They fought harder to get on top with the help of some fellows. Areca tree itself has been smeared with the oil that challenged the climbers to reach the top.
The climbers must work together, some of them was pointed as the "shoulder men" who volunteerily supported the multiple weight on their shoulders.
It is surely painful. We can see how their faces react.
Needless to say, it is quite entertained and the crowd wont leave the place before the climbers really reached the top.