Pict:instagram @pacujalur_
Pacu Jalur is a traditional rowing competition from the Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) region in Riau Province. In this race, a group of rowers compete against each other using boats made from hollowed-out logs, known as *Jalur*.
Since the 17th century, the *jalur* has been used as the primary means of transportation by villagers in the Rantau Kuantan area, which spans the Kuantan River from the upstream area of Hulu Kuantan to the downstream area of Cerenti. During this time, the *jalur* served as an important transport tool, especially for carrying agricultural products like bananas and sugarcane. Over time, *jalur* boats were decorated with beautiful carvings such as snake, crocodile, or tiger heads on the hull and canopy. The *jalur* was also equipped with accessories like umbrellas, ropes, sashes, a central pole (gulang-gulang), and a stand (lambai-lambai) for the helmsman.
About 100 years later, the *jalur* was used as a racing boat in speed competitions, which later became known as Pacu Jalur.
The process of making a *jalur* or boat is not done carelessly. The wood used for building the *jalur* must undergo a ritual process first. The boat maker must take the wood from the deep forest, so the ritual is a way of asking permission from nature.
In addition to the boat-making process, Pacu Jalur also involves a meaningful dance performed by the participants.
A Pacu Jalur boat can carry 50-60 people (referred to as "anak pacu"). Each person has a specific role at the start of the race, including the *Tukang Concang* (commander or the one who gives the signals), *Tukang Pinggang* (helmsman), *Tukang Onjai* (the one who creates rhythm by swaying their body), and lastly, *Tukang Tari* or *Anak Coki* (the dancer).
Interestingly, the *Tukang Tari* role is usually filled by children because their lighter weight helps the boat move faster. The *Tukang Tari* will dance in front of the *jalur* if the boat is ahead in the race. When the boat reaches the finish line, the *Tukang Tari* will immediately perform a gesture of gratitude, prostrating at the bow of the boat.
Pict: kemenparekraf.go.id
Originally, Pacu Jalur was held in villages along the Kuantan River to commemorate Islamic holidays. However, over time, this tradition became part of the celebration of Indonesia's Independence Day.
Today, Pacu Jalur has become part of the Karisma Event Nusantara, which this year will take place from August 20-25, 2024. In addition to the race, the Pacu Jalur festival also offers various other attractions, such as a fair, dance performances, regional song showcases, Randai Kuantan Singingi, and other traditional arts from the districts and cities of Riau.
Pict: instagram @pacujalur_
Sobat Pesona can reach this location in about 3.5 hours from Pekanbaru by private vehicle or public transportation available from Pekanbaru to Kuantan Singingi. For information about KEN 2024 and other cultural inspirations #DiIndonesiaAja, make sure to follow Instagram @pesona.indonesia, Sob!
