August 20, 2025 | 03:35 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Pacu Jalur Festival 2025 at Tepian Narosa, Batang Kuantan River, Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Riau, officially kicked off on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
The opening ceremony was attended by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, and Culture Minister Fadli Zon.
Vice President Gibran released the first race by waving a green flag, sending two traditional boats speeding down the Kuantan River. Spectators lined the riverbanks to witness the iconic race, where each boat, called jalur, 1`is manned by 60 to 72 rowers.
The reigning champion from 2024, Putri Anggun Sibiran Tulang, faced off against Siganteng Ibukota. Dancers and tukang onjai in traditional attire performed lively moves at the front and rear of the boats, entertaining the crowds. Putri Anggun won the first round of the race.
Featuring Dhika the Child Dancer and US Rapper Melly Mike
In addition to the jalur races, this year’s festival also showcases cultural performances and entertainment. Among them is Rayyan Arkan Dhika, the child dancer who went viral last year and was invited to perform at the State Palace on Independence Day, August 17.
A new highlight this year is the appearance of American rapper Melly Mike, known for his track “Young Black and Rich.” The song gained viral popularity on social media as background music for Pacu Jalur videos. Melly Mike is set to perform at the festival’s closing night on August 24, 2025.
Last year, the traditional Pacu Jalur Festival drew an extraordinary 1.4 million visitors and generated Rp 42.16 billion in economic activity, according to official data.
With more than 120 years of history, Pacu Jalur is a cultural attraction deeply rooted in Kuansing. The traditional wooden boats, stretching 30–35 meters in length, represent nearly every village in the regency. Teams compete in a tiered elimination system, with winners advancing to the grand stage at Tepian Narosa.
Editor's Choice: From Pacu Jalur to Tabola Bale: Palace Festivities Mark RI's 80th Independence Day
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
From Pacu Jalur to Tabola Bale: Palace Festivities Mark RI's 80th Independence Day
3 hari lalu
The celebration of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day at the Merdeka Palace was enlivened by various artistic performances, cultural displays, and a viral phenomenon.
Indonesia Resumes Rice and Corn Exports After Decades, Prabowo Says
5 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto reveals the government's success in increasing food production, allowing Indonesia to resume exporting rice and corn.
From Campaign Symbol to Perceived Threat: The "One Piece" Flag in Indonesian Politics
16 hari lalu
The "One Piece" anime symbol, utilized by VP Gibran during his 2024 presidential election campaign, is now seen as a divisive element by the govt.
Police Arrest 2 Suspects in Riau Wildfires
16 hari lalu
One of the suspects admitted to setting a bush fire and leaving the scene.
KKP Unveils Rampant Illegal Mining Activities on Riau's Small Islands
18 hari lalu
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has sealed a number of locations on small islands that are used for illegal mining sites.
VP Gibran to Attend Independence Day Celebration in Jakarta, Not at IKN
19 hari lalu
The Presidential Palace ensures that Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka will attend the 80th Indonesian Independence Day ceremony at Istana Merdeka, Jakarta.
VP Gibran Urges BSU Recipients to Avoid Online Gambling
22 hari lalu
Gibran Rakabuming has called on recipients of wage subsidy assistance in Riau to spend the funds on productive activities instead of online gambling.
Riau Wildfire Handling: Ministry Seals Palm Oil Plantations, BMKG Runs Weather Modification
22 hari lalu
The spread of wildfires in Riau has led to various responses and handling measures.
Indonesian Armed Forces Deploy 920 Soldiers to Help Fight Forest and Land Fires in Riau
24 hari lalu
The head of the TNI Information Center, Major General Kristomei Sianturi, claimed that the military is always present in the midst of the community, including in handling forest fires.
Forestry Ministry Identified Rokan Hilir as Main Source of Wildfire Hotspots in Riau
27 hari lalu
There are 354 hotspots in Rokan Hilir, including 9 active fire points, until July 20, 2025.
