In the heart of Sumatra lies a river that doesn’t just carry water—it carries history, tradition, and the beating spirit of a community. Pacu Jalur, a breathtaking traditional boat race from Riau, Indonesia, is more than a competition.
It’s a living cultural performance that unites villages, showcases heritage, and now even rides the waves of social media.
About Pacu Jalur
Pacu Jalur is a traditional longboat race held annually in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, Indonesia. The name "jalur" refers to the long, slender dug-out canoes used in the race.
A single jalur can stretch over 25 meters and carry up to 60 people, each with a designated role. These include:
- Tukang Concang: The commander or signal caller
- Tukang Pinggang: The helmsman steering the boat
- Tukang Onjai: The rhythm keeper who sways their body to maintain boat rhythm
- Tukang Tari / Anak Coki: The dancer at the very front, usually a kid, who “dances” to cut the water’s resistance and lift the team's spirit
What makes Pacu Jalur truly mesmerizing is the combination of synchronized rowing, vibrant decorations, and the symbolic dance at the tip of the boat, performed when the team is in the lead or crosses the finish line.
Origin and Evolution
Pacu Jalur dates back to the 17th century, when the jalur boats were used as a practical mode of transportation along the Batang Kuantan River. They connected remote villages and served both everyday needs and ceremonial occasions.
Over time, as infrastructure improved and roads replaced river routes, the jalur boats transformed from utility to cultural symbol.
The racing tradition evolved into an annual festival that reflects the pride and solidarity of the Kuantan Singingi people.
Traditionally, adult men performed the roles on the boat, including the dancer. However, as the racing tracks narrowed over the years, children—due to their lighter weight—began to take over the role of togak luan (the front dancer), gracefully “dancing” (or meonjai) to slice through the water and increase boat speed.
Aura Farming Boat Kid on TikTok
If you've seen clips of a kid at the front of a long, decorated boat swaying side to side while dozens of rowers paddle behind—it’s not just a viral moment.
That’s the 'Pacu Jalur Kid' — also known as 'The Reaper' or simply 'Boat Kid' — a nickname given by international TikTok users to the cool Tukang Tari, or Anak Coki, from the Pacu Jalur tradition in Riau, Indonesia.
This child isn't just dancing for fun. The movement, known as meonjai, is a rhythmic sway to help the front of the boat split the air and river current—making it glide faster.
It's a combination of physical technique, cultural symbolism, and even a kind of aura farming, where confidence, grace, and rhythm generate energy that inspires the whole team.
At the finish line, the kid usually bows in gratitude or jumps into the water—a humble yet powerful gesture that caught global attention.
How Did the Trend Spread?
The Boat Racing Kid trend started around 2023 when short clips from the Pacu Jalur Festival were posted on TikTok, especially around August when the festival peaks.
These videos quickly gained millions of views on the internet under hashtag #aurafarming because:
Visually Striking: A kid in costume "dancing" at the tip of a moving boat is unusual and captivating.
Perfect for Music Sync: The movement of the dancer and rowers fits perfectly with trending sounds (eg. Skibidi Bop Yes Yes Yes, Young Black & Rich) or traditional music.
Mystery & Curiosity: International audiences were confused at first—“Why is this kid dancing on a boat?”—which led to comment threads, duets, and explanations.
Cultural Exposure: Indonesian netizens began stitching, translating, and explaining the meaning behind the tradition.
Global Reaction: Memes, parody, and fan edits began to pop up, and the Indonesian Boat Racing Kid became an iconic figure of cultural pride.
This trend isn't just funny or viral—it's cultural economy education in motion. Thanks to TikTok, people from around the world are learning about Pacu Jalur, the roles of anak pacu, and how tradition can blend beautifully with modern platforms.