Western Indonesia’s centuries-old Pacu Jalur boat race has taken on a new life this year after an 11-year-old boy’s viral dance moves helped attract record crowds and international attention to the traditional river festival.Rowers paddled furiously down the Kuantan river in Riau Province this weekend, cheered on by spectators swelled by the online success of young Rayyan Arkan Dikha. A short clip of him dancing at the bow of one of the long wooden boats, swirling his hands and swinging his arms to rally the oarsmen, has racked up millions of views, drawing visitors from across the country and abroad.As per news agency AFP, international sports stars, including Formula One driver Alex Albon and MotoGP champion Marc Marquez even copied Rayyan’s routine in videos of their own, fuelling the craze further. “I came to watch Pacu Jalur because I wanted to film and show the festival to the world,” Australian tourist Duncan McNaught was quoted as saying by AFP, calling the event “awesome.”Tourism officials estimate the race could see 1.5 million spectators this year, up from 1.4 million last year, with revenue possibly rising to $4.6 million. “Compared to previous years, there weren’t any foreigners watching Pacu Jalur. Now there are,” said local tourism chief Roni Rakhmat, as cited by AFP.The festival, dating back to the 17th century, was once rooted in river transport but has since evolved into an annual August race featuring more than 220 teams. Prizes worth about 900 million rupiah ($55,000) are on offer, according to organisers.Residents said they were delighted by the boy’s unexpected role in globalising the event. “I think it’s super cool that a kid his age managed to create a personal branding through Pacu Jalur,” 18-year-old student Naysila Ayunita Sari was quoted as saying by AFP. “Through his dances, he has introduced Pacu Jalur to the entire world.”For long-time locals like Frima, the transformation of their riverbank into an international attraction is astonishing. “I never would have thought that all eyes are on this small place on the western side of Riau,” he said. “I’m grateful Pacu Jalur is now known worldwide”, he added.
