The Indonesian Cultural Delight That’s Pacu Jalur!

Pacu Jalur, translated as boat race, is the iconic canoe river racing in Indonesia that’s become famous because of a boy… on a boat… and his dance moves.  

The Boy Who Lived Stood On A Boat

Unless you’ve just come back from a very, very long South Pacific holiday without WiFi, you have come across the term ‘aura farming’ floating around the virtual gardens and rabbit holes of the internet. And that term, in the short-lived zeitgeist, is associated with a 11-year old boy standing on a boat and busting out ultra-slick, T-1000 moves. So smooth, it has been replicated by celebrities, athletes, (Tiktokers, social media influencers…sigh) and general public alike! 

In case you are wondering, this blog isn’t about Dika—the 11 year old boy ruling the reels on Instagram and Tiktok alike. But an event mostly all these viral posts failed to credit: Pacu Jalur. 

It’s Pacu WHAT…now?

Pronounced as ‘puh-tCHOO-juh-LOOR’ (and not what you imagined it to be), Pacu Jalur is a traditional boat race that has been part of life in Sumatra for centuries, especially in the district of Riau. Every year, the town of Teluk Kuantan plays host to this event. The otherwise quiet banks of the Batang Kuantan river come alive, drawing thousands of spectators including tourists, dozens of village teams, and more recently—the full and undivided attention of the civilised world!

And what about Jalur?

Jalur are the slim, long canoes you’d have seen in the video. That’s what the Alpha Pharmer/ Aura Farmer stood on as he cheered on his oarsmen and elicited hoots, whistles and roars from the crowd. 

Jalurs are no ordinary vessels, they are hand-carved from a single tree trunk. They can stretch up to 25 meters, painted in vivid colours, and decorated with motifs and flags of the village they belong to. Suffice to say they are a source of pride and joy of the rowers rowing them and the craftsmen shaping them. Speaking of rowers, the canoes are crewed by 40 to 60 paddlers. There’s a steerman at the back and a Tukang Tari (dancer) at the front. 

The race is not just about rowing to the drum beats or speed, it’s about discipline, synchronising movements, and honour. 

Where Pacu Jalur All Happens – and When!

It takes place in Teluk Kuantan, the capital of Kuantan Singingi Regency, located in Riau province, Sumatra. The event typically spans three to four days in August, aligning with the Indonesian Independence Day celebrations. 

The Batang Kuantan river takes centre stage, with races unfolding from morning to late afternoon. Qualifying rounds are held in the earlier days, building up to a high-stakes final where pride, legacy, and local bragging rights are all on the line. For first-timers, it’s not just a sporting event — it’s an experience that flows through the streets, markets, and hearts of everyone in town.

A Cultural Occasion and a Fierce Competition

During Pacu Jalur, Teluk Kuantan transforms as temporary markets pop up. Food stalls line the streets, selling everything from grilled fish and durian to iced drinks and sticky rice in banana leaves. Traditional music plays over loudspeakers, and local schools and art groups host performances and exhibitions along the riverbanks.

The atmosphere is electric, bordering on chaotic. It’s celebratory, fuelled by community spirit and bonhomie. Entire villages turn up to support their teams, each cheering section draped in the colours of their canoe. Children wave handmade flags,  teenagers dance to drumbeats in between races, and tukang taris do what they do best – farm aura like they owned it. 

Rituals are part of the experience too. Many teams begin their race day with blessings from village elders, seeking protection and strength. Boats are splashed with water-soaked flowers, prayers are whispered fervently, and thundering drums sync up before the paddles even touch the river.

Tradition and history of this Adrenaline-Filled Festival

Pacu Jalur’s origins trace back to the 1600s, during the Malay kingdom period. Initially a royal celebration, the event gradually became part of community festivals and public life. While its competitive nature has remained, the heart of Pacu Jalur lies in its cultural continuity. It has weathered change — colonialism, modernisation, and even digital distractions. Yet Pacu Jalur continues to thrive, passed down from one generation to the next. And now, thanks in part to a young boy dancing on a boat, it’s getting a moment in the spotlight again. In fact, Pacu Jalur 2025 has drawn global media coverage and cultural exchange like never before. 

Planning a Visit? Come August, Come Early

The 2025 edition of Pacu Jalur has been bigger than ever, thanks to renewed interest from across Indonesia and abroad. Accommodation in Teluk Kuantan and surrounding areas tends to fill up quickly, especially in the week leading up to the race. It’s not uncommon for visitors to travel from Denpasar or Bali, especially those on an Indonesian holiday. 

An event like Pacu Jalur is just one of the many things a tourist can do in the Big Durian. There’s much more to see and explore including paddy fields, Top 10 Things to do In Jakarta, Indonesia and iconic dishes like naasi goreng. For places to holiday in Indonesia, check out the listings page. And for the season’s freshest deals and adding Pacu Jalur to your itinerary, speak with our travel experts—call 1800 991 751.