Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian Ministry of Culture plans to nominate Pacu Jalur, a centuries-old traditional boat race from Kuantan Singingi Regency (Kuansing), Riau for recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The tradition has recently gained international attention after a tiktok viral video of Aura Farming trend featured Rayyan Arkan Dhika dancing on top of a racing boat during a pacu jalur competition.
“We are preparing to propose Pacu Jalur to UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It already holds national recognition as part of Indonesia’s intangible cultural heritage,” said Culture Minister Fadli Zon in South Jakarta on Wednesday (July 9).
Fadli acknowledged that the process of securing UNESCO recognition is long and competitive, with each country limited in the number of cultural elements it can nominate. “There’s a long waiting list, but this is a cultural tradition that has endured for hundreds of years. We’re committed to fighting for its recognition,” he added.
Before submitting the proposal, the Ministry must first compile academic research and documentation on the tradition. However, Fadli expressed optimism that the growing international exposure online could help accelerate the process.
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Kuansing Regent Suhardiman Amby, support the proposal for UNESCO recognitions, emphasized that Pacu Jalur has been practiced for at least 125 years. He also states that he already formally submitted a letter of nomination to the Ministry in Jakarta earlier this week.
“The handover took place at the Ministry of Culture office. Hopefully, our efforts will be successful,” Suhardiman said Thursday.
The submission was made during a cultural media event held at the Ministry, attended by dozens of national journalists. The event highlighted that Pacu Jalur is not merely a boat race, but a deeply rooted cultural tradition reflecting the history, unity, spirituality, and pride of the Kuantan Singingi people.
“With UNESCO’s recognition, we hope Pacu Jalur can be preserved not only within local communities but also acknowledged globally as a unique and culturally significant tradition,” Suhardiman said.
Azhar, the head of Kuansing’s Department of Culture and Tourism, added that the Pacu Jalur festival is already well-known across Indonesia and throughout ASEAN, and should be promoted to the global stage.
“Let’s support the 2025 Kuansing Traditional Pacu Jalur Festival and make it even more vibrant and successful,” he urged.
(Raidi/Agung)
