Lately, the traditional boat race Pacu Jalur has once again stolen the attention of netizens. Through social media, snippets of action from young rowers who are compactly rotating their hands and swinging their bodies to maintain balance while speeding through the Kuantan River have caught the attention of Indonesian netizens and content creators from abroad, who mimic the iconic movements. Not surprising that this local tradition has suddenly become a hot topic on various digital platforms.
Interestingly, these videos are often accompanied by the background song “Young Black & Rich” by Melly Mike, giving the impression of confidence and strength, in line with the spirit of the “main character” trend championed in the Aura Farming trend. According to Know Your Meme, a site for sharing viral videos, the phenomena of aura farming started gaining popularity since September 2024, now serving as a new medium introducing Indonesian local culture emotionally and attractively on the global stage.
However, long before the online buzz, Pacu Jalur has deeply rooted as a tradition of the Kuantan Singingi community, passed down through generations since the colonial era as part of traditional celebrations and gratitude for harvest. What exactly is Pacu Jalur? Here is its origin and history, as summarized from the official site of Kotajalur.kuansing.go.id.
Pacu Jalur is a traditional event that is a source of pride for the people of Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau. This tradition dates back to the 17th century when long wooden boats called “jalur” served as the main mode of transportation for villagers along the Kuantan River. This region extends from Upper Kuantan in the upstream to Cerenti downstream.
At that time, jalur was essential because land transportation facilities were not yet developed. Residents used jalur to transport agricultural products like bananas and sugar cane, as well as a mass transport vehicle that could accommodate around 40 to 60 people.
Over time, these jalurs began to be adorned with artistic carvings like snake heads, crocodiles, or tigers both on the body of the boat and on the selembayung (end ornaments of the jalur). Other decorations such as umbrellas, decorative ropes, colorful scarves, as well as poles and flagpoles, also adorned the jalur.
These decorations were not just aesthetic; they were symbols of social status. During that period, only nobles, traditional leaders, and community figures had elaborately decorated jalurs as symbols of their honor and power.
About a century later, people discovered another fascinating aspect of jalur, its speed. The idea of racing the jalur quickly along the Kuantan River emerged. This was the beginning of Pacu Jalur as a racing competition.
Initially, these races were held in villages along the river as part of Islamic celebrations. But over time, Pacu Jalur became centred on commemorating the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, which falls in August.
Every year during the races, Kota Jalur becomes crowded with people. Traffic jams are inevitable, while the residents return home in droves just to witness this historic moment. The number of competing jalurs can reach more than 100 units.
For the people of Kuantan Singingi, jalur is a large boat made from a single round wooden log with no joints, paddled by around 45 to 60 people known as “anak pacu.” Pacu Jalur is believed to have been an annual tradition since 1903 and is now recognized as an official tourism agenda of the Riau Provincial Government to attract domestic and international tourists, especially to Kuantan Singingi Regency.
During the Dutch colonial era, Pacu Jalur was held as part of traditional rituals and communal feasts, to commemorate the birthday of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, which falls on August 31. At that time, the races usually lasted for two to three days, depending on the number of competing jalurs.
Today, Pacu Jalur is even more vibrant with colorful costumes of the rowers, cannon blasts to signal the start of the race, and cheers to boost the festive atmosphere of Kuantan Singingi’s unique culture. This is a local heritage worthy of enjoyment and preservation.
