A young boy’s viral dance has transformed the annual Pacu Jalur boat race in western Indonesia into a major tourist attraction. Eleven-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dikha gained fame for his energetic performances at the front of traditional wooden long boats, drawing an estimated 100,000 additional spectators this year to the event on August 6, 2023. This surge in popularity has brought both local and international attention to the races held along the Kuantan River in Riau Province.
The race, which has historical roots dating back to the 17th century, features rowers competing in beautifully decorated long boats known as “jalur”. This year’s competition is expected to attract around 1.5 million spectators, a significant increase from last year’s 1.4 million, with officials anticipating a boost in local revenue from $2.5 million to $4.6 million due to heightened tourism.
Viral Fame and Global Interest
The catalyst for this year’s attendance surge was a 20-second video of Rayyan dancing aboard a boat, which quickly went viral, garnering millions of views across social media platforms. Prominent sports figures, including Alex Albon from Formula One and MotoGP star Marc Marquez, have joined in the trend, mimicking his dance moves and further amplifying the event’s visibility.
Australian tourist Duncan McNaught expressed his enthusiasm for attending the race, stating, “I came to watch Pacu Jalur because I wanted to film and show the festival to the world. I think the guys who row are crazy. They’re awesome. I’m just looking forward to it.” The excitement surrounding Rayyan’s performances has lured visitors not only from Indonesia but also from around the globe.
Among the local attendees is Yuyun Kurnia, who traveled from the city of Medan, a 17-hour drive away. “After it went viral on social media, I wanted to see Pacu Jalur directly,” she remarked, noting how “amazing” it was to experience the race in person.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The influx of visitors has had a profound impact on the local economy. Roni Rakhmat, head of the Riau tourism agency, indicated that the expected revenue jump is linked to increased spending per visitor. “Authorities are focused on improving the organization of the event and the cleanliness of the river,” he added. Measures have been taken to combat pollution, including efforts to halt illegal gold mining near the race area.
The community has welcomed the newfound attention, with local resident Frima saying, “I never would have thought that all eyes are on this small place on the western side of Riau. I’m grateful Pacu Jalur is now known worldwide.”
As more than 220 teams compete for prizes totaling around 900 million rupiah (approximately $55,000), the event has evolved into a vibrant celebration of culture and community spirit. With the combination of Rayyan’s charisma and the race’s rich history, Pacu Jalur has positioned itself on the global stage, promising a bright future for both the event and the local economy.