This festival not only reflects our love for art and culture but also embodies the spirit of mutual cooperation, togetherness, and tenacity that defines the Kuantan Singingi society.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The traditional Pacu Jalur festival of Riau province has been named among the top 10 activities of the 2024 Nusantara Event Calendar (KEN) by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. The prestigious event highlights the country's most exciting and culturally significant activities.

Restog Krisna Kusuma, expert staff for innovation and creativity at the ministry, lauded Pacu Jalur as a tradition that Indonesians have cherished for centuries.

The centuries-old tradition is a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage.

"This festival not only reflects our love for art and culture but also embodies the spirit of mutual cooperation, togetherness, and tenacity that defines the Kuantan Singingi society," Kusuma said in a ministry release on Monday.

KEN is a strategic initiative that has been designed to promote the tourism and creative industries in Indonesia. By showcasing the country's unique events, it aims to attract more international visitors.

KEN 2024 comprises 110 tourism and creative economy events curated from 38 provinces of Indonesia.

The traditional Pacu Jalur festival involves a thrilling boat race that combines elements of sports and art. Participants compete in handcrafted wooden boats called Jalur, rowing them down a river in a race against time. The festival is popular among locals and tourists alike.

This year, the festival took place from August 21–25, 2024, at Tepian Narosa, along the Indragiri River, Kuantan Singingi district, Riau province.

The competition featured 225 jalur boats, each with a unique design and a young dancer standing at the bow. The dancers, known for their grace and balance, add a touch of artistry to the race.

Beyond the excitement of the competition, the festival also aims to boost the local economy and improve the well-being of the surrounding community.

By showcasing the region's cultural heritage and natural beauty, the festival hopes to attract more tourists and stimulate economic growth.

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Reporter: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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