“Pacu Jalur is a unique part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage and now plays a key role in our strategy to strengthen nation branding and expand cultural diplomacy as a tourism magnet,” Widiyanti said in an official statement from Jakarta on Thursday.
At the official opening of the 2025 Traditional Pacu Jalur Festival at Limuno Field, Kuantan Singingi, Riau, on Wednesday (August 20), Widiyanti expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their dedication in preserving and promoting Pacu Jalur as a cultural icon that has gained global attention.
According to the Minister, the festival has been consistently included in the Ministry of Tourism’s Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) program since 2022. In 2024, the event was ranked among the Top 10 KEN events.
In 2024, the traditional race attracted 1.4 million visitors and generated an estimated Rp42.16 billion (approx. USD 2.6 million) in local economic activity. Widiyanti highlighted this achievement as evidence that Pacu Jalur is not only a cultural heritage but also a driver of regional economic growth.
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The Ministry of Tourism, she added, will continue working with other ministries, government agencies, and industry players to improve infrastructure and accessibility for tourists, ensuring a more comfortable experience.
“We will continue supporting quality improvements through human resource development, event ecosystem enhancement, and promotion to both domestic and international markets,” she said.
Widiyanti also expressed hope that other regional festivals would emerge as tourism highlights, boosting local economies and delivering sustainable benefits to communities.
During the event, Minister Widiyanti accompanied Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in launching the 2025 Traditional Pacu Jalur Festival. The two greeted residents along the Kuantan River by boat before proceeding to the main stage.
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Riau District Head Abdul Wahid expressed pride in Pacu Jalur, calling it a vital expression of Malay heritage, especially in Kuantan Singingi. “From the banks of the Kuantan River, Pacu Jalur has resonated on the global stage,” he said.
“Let us showcase the best of our hospitality, the warmth of Malay culture, and Riau’s welcoming spirit. With that, Pacu Jalur can be more than a people’s celebration—it can be a blessing for our tourism, elevate our regional dignity, and uplift the local economy,” he added.
The 2025 Traditional Pacu Jalur Festival will run through August 24, 2025. Organizers aim to attract 1.5 million visitors this year, with a projected economic impact of Rp75 billion (approx. USD 4.6 million).
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Translator: Dharma, Azis Kurmala
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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