Hundreds Longboats Race in 2026 Pacu Jalur Festival
- 22 Agt 2026 17:39 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- A total of 204 traditional longboats from Riau, Jambi, and West Sumatra are competing in the 2026 Pacu Jalur Festival from August 19 to 23 in Kuantan Singingi, Riau.
- The five-day festival combines traditional boat racing with Randai folk theater and local culinary events, supporting cultural preservation and the regional economy.
RRI.CO.ID, Teluk Kuantan - A total of 204 traditional longboats (jalur) carrying thousands of rowers from Riau, Jambi, and West Sumatra took to the Batang Kuantan River at the Tepian Narosa arena in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, marking the grand return of the annual Pacu Jalur Festival from August 19 to 23, 2026.
Officially opened by Acting Governor of Riau SF Hariyanto as part of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day celebrations, the centuries-old traditional race has drawn massive crowds to the riverbanks to watch teams navigate the water alongside signature bow dancers (tukang tari). The five-day event features intense knock-out rounds leading up to the grand finals on Sunday, August 23, alongside cultural side events such as Randai folk theater and local culinary expos.
Regional officials and community representatives noted that the festival serves as a cultural anchor that preserves ancestral traditions while providing a crucial economic boost to local businesses. Head of the Riau Provincial Tourism Agency Tekad Perbatas highlighted the expanding inter-provincial draw of the competition.
"A total of 204 longboats registered by the time entries closed, including teams from Jambi and West Sumatra, this event continues to prove its strength as a national cultural asset," Tekad said in Teluk Kuantan on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as quoted by Infopublik.
He added that the influx of visitors directly stimulates the regional economy.
"We hope the 2026 Pacu Jalur Festival strengthens cultural preservation while boosting tourist arrivals, the festival's crowd creates tangible economic opportunities for local MSMEs and community members," Tekad noted. ***
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