Two Hundred and Four Traditional Longboats Raced at Teluk Kuantan and a Crew From Cerenti Took the Pacu Jalur Crown
Jalur Alam Cahayo Tuah Nagori from Cerenti won Indonesia's Pacu Jalur festival in Riau after five days of racing involving 204 boats.
Pacu jalur is a traditional longboat race from Kuantan Singingi regency in Riau province, Indonesia. Long wooden boats called jalur race head to head, each carrying rowers, a helmsman, a bailer and a dancer who signals commands to the crew.
The 2026 Pacu Jalur Tradisional festival ran from 19 to 23 August at Tepian Narosa in Teluk Kuantan. It was opened on 19 August by SF Hariyanto, the acting governor of Riau. A total of 204 jalur entered, most of them from districts across Riau, with one boat each from West Sumatra and Jambi.
The racing is run as a knockout. The last-16 round was held on 23 August with seven races, while Jalur Alam Cahayo Tuah Nagori received a bye through that round.
Alam Cahayo Tuah Nagori, from Cerenti district, went on to win the title the same day. Bintang Emas Cahaya Intan from Hulu Kuantan finished second and Panglimo Rimbo Piako from Indragiri Hulu was third.
The winners received Rp80 million in coaching funds along with a trophy and certificate, presented by Andi Cahyadi, general chairman of the 2026 event. Second place was worth Rp70 million and third Rp65 million, with prizes paid down to 15th place at Rp7.5 million.
The boats were used for transport in the region from the 17th century, while racing became a regular event in the early 1900s, according to reports at the opening. Pacu jalur is recognised as part of Indonesia's intangible cultural heritage, and the festival is held every year in Kuantan Singingi.