(old spelling: ; , ; ') also known as is a traditional and cultural watercraft-based () originated from upper course of the Indragiri River (a river formed by the union of the Ombilin River and Sinamar River) in Eastern-West Sumatran region of Tanah Datar and its surrounding areas (including Sijunjung, Kuantan Singingi and Indragiri Hulu â originally part of the native Eastern Minangkabau realm). One of the most significant series of events held annually under the Pacu Jalur Festival at Teluk Kuantan district on Sumatra.
Since 2014, the traditions, knowledge, cultural customs, biocentrism awareness, and the practices of officially recognized and regarded by theÃÂ Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of Republic Indonesia as integral part of theÃÂ National Intangible Cultural HeritageÃÂ of Indonesia. As the effort to preserve these cultural heritage, the government of Indonesia support the Pacu Jalur Festival which held annually in Kuantan Singingi and promote its importance for the wider public both nationwide and international, the winner team of usually will also have a chance to be elected as the national athlete of Indonesia to represent Indonesia in the international boat racing events.
In 2022, the art (illustrated by a Bandung-based Sundanese artist, Wastana Haikal), selected as the Google Doodle of-the-day, a special logo alterationÃÂ on Google's homepage intended to commemorate the Indonesian Independence Day celebrated on August 17 annually.
The is an Eastern Minangkabau-origin term; the literally means "race", meanwhile the word refers to "(elongated) boat". In simple sense, the could be roughly translated as "boat race" or "canoe race".
Depends on Minangkabau dialectal differences, the might spelt differently, such as Pacu Jalua (in Standard Minangkabau), Pacu Jalugh or Pachu Jalugh (in another Eastern Minangkabau), or even . According to colonial manuscripts written in Dutch, these cultural traditions were better known by its nicknames, such as () or ().
One of the earliest written references for specifically mentioned in the 17th century native Sumatran manuscript of ().
According to the oral tradition of the local community, the were initially used as a means of transport along the river of Indragiri (upstream region) all the way down to the Cerenti sub-district at the mouth of Batang Kuantan. As ground transportation was not yet developed during that time, the route was actually used as an important means of transport for villagers, mainly used as a means of transporting crops, such as local fruits and sugar cane, and serves to transport about 40-60 people. Later, these elongated dug-out boats are purposely decorated by the local cultural elements that might include the heads of snakes, crocodiles, tigers and sometimes added with Minangkabau umbrellas (). As the time goes by, its function shifted from being a mere transport means for people to a splendid royal barge. The water-route that usually used as the transport or exchange goods-route gradually transformed as the sociocultural identity for Minangkabaus of Rantau Kuantan to hold the festivals. Moreover, according to the written historical records, the route also served as the royals' route to welcome the honorable guests of kings (and later sultans) who wanted to visit the Rantau Kuantan area.
During the Dutch East Indies administration, which began in the Kuantan area around 1905, the Pacu Jalur was held annually on August 31 to commemorate Queen WilhelminaâÂÂs birthday. The event often lasted several days until a winner was determined. Each of the winner from first to fourth place was given a , decorated ceremonial flag larger than a that has rank number written on it and used as a trophy. The event was postponed during World War II and Indonesian National Revolution. was held again in 1950s as political and economic situation was stable enough for people to commemorate the Independence Day of Indonesia.
Later on, to preserve this cultural tradition, the government of Indonesia includes the Pacu Jalur Festival in annual national tourist calendar event of Indonesia, which usually held around late August.
In 2025, a video of the national Pacu Jalur on the Kuantan went viral on the internet. The video, often titled Boat Kid Aura Farming, featured the kid dancer at the head of the boat (Tukang Tari, or Anak Coki) wearing Teluk Belanga, edited to the tune of "Young Black & Rich" by American rapper Melly Mike. It was reposted and recreated multiple times. French football club Paris Saint-Germain posted its own rendition on TikTok on 1 July and garnered more than 7 millions in 10 days. The trend was followed by AC Milan football club, Travis Kelce, and Alex Albon, amongst others. The boy featured on the video, Rayyan Arkan Dhika from Tuah Koghi Dubalang Ghajo team, was 11 years old at the time of filming. He was later named a cultural ambassador of Riau, where he came from for his roles in promoting the tradition to the international recognition.
"" is a type of boat made from a single whole tree trunk â itâÂÂs not split, cut into pieces, or joined together. Its characteristics are sturdiness, strength, sleekness, and artistic form, so when racing, thereâÂÂs no worry about it breaking; it moves swiftly and looks pleasing to the eye. A jalur consists of the following parts : (prow), (front ear), (seat), (hull), (bailing area), (rear ear), (steering place / helmsmanâÂÂs spot), / (handholds for the ), (jalur core/seed), (rowersâ seat), (the carved tip of the jalur), (rower), (bailer scoop) The and the sides of the jalur's body are usually carved and brightly painted. The motifs vary, such as vines, geometric shapes, waves, birds, and others, even airplanes. Each boat has a name, for example: Naga Sakti, Gajah Tunggal, Rawang Udang, Kompe Berangin, Bomber, Pelita, Orde Baru, and so on. The making of a jalur goes through quite a long process, which is as follows:
Before the main event of "Pacu Jalur 'is started, it usually held entertainment performances like singing and dancing performances to entertain all participants and surrounding communities. Nowadays, prior to the festival, smaller paddling events were held in four districts, followed by a traditional mini route held at Tepian Narosa Teluk Kuantan. The racetrack follows the flow of Batang Kuantan River, with a track length of about 1 km marked by six piles. The wooden boat taking part in the competition usually have a length of 25 to 40 meters and the width of the middle section of approximately 1.3 ms / d 1.5 m. The crew for each boat varies from 50 to 60 people. Each of the crew has his own task, there is the commander who shouts out instructions, the helmsman, another one leads the boat by dancing from left to right, while another provides the "music" to provide rhythm and ensure regularity to paddlers. All these are in order that the boat moves fast forward in the right direction, provide balance, and paddlers follow the same rhythm.