Pacu Jalur: The Thunder of Oars and the Rise of Little Commander Coki

TheIndonesia.co - Every August, the usually quiet rivers of Kuantan Singingi in Riau, Indonesia come alive with thundering chants, synchronized oars, and the joyous roar of thousands of spectators. It’s not just a race—it’s a celebration of rhythm, heritage, and water-bound might. This is Pacu Jalur, Indonesia’s grandest traditional dragon boat race.

But in recent years, it’s not just the speed or the boats that have grabbed global attention. The world is now enchanted by a small figure at the bow of the boat, a young boy with fierce energy and theatrical flair. Locally called “Anak Coki”, this child isn’t just part of the crew—he’s the heartbeat of the entire vessel.

In fact, his unique style of commanding the boat has gone viral, inspiring memes, dance covers, and even being mimicked by world-class football teams during training and celebrations.

And if that wasn’t enough, according to Antara News Agency, Melly Mike, an American rapper behind the hit song “Young Black and Rich”, recently confirmed that he’ll perform at Pacu Jalur 2025, moved by how his song unexpectedly became the soundtrack to these iconic river dances.

Welcome to one of Indonesia’s most electrifying cultural experiences—where the river tells stories, and the world is starting to listen.

What Is Pacu Jalur?

Pacu Jalur, roughly translated as “Race of the Channels,” is a traditional longboat race that dates back to the 17th century, deeply rooted in the culture of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Riau. Originally, these boats—called "jalur"—were not for racing but means of transportation along the Kuantan River. Over time, as royal festivals and village competitions emerged, the jalur evolved into vessels of prestige, pride, and performance.

Each jalur is a massive wooden canoe, stretching up to 25-30 meters (82–98 feet) in length and accommodating 40 to 60 paddlers. The boats are ornately decorated, often resembling mythical creatures or spiritual symbols, painted in vivid colors with banners fluttering overhead.

The race is not just about speed—it's about coordination, spiritual unity, and showmanship. Crews train for months, often guided by village elders, spiritual rituals, and local legends. When race day arrives, it’s a spectacle of power and poetry.

Anak Coki — The Soul of the Boat

While the paddlers provide the muscle, the “anak coki” brings the magic.

Perched at the front tip of the boat, this boy commander, typically aged 7 to 13, performs a dramatic role: commanding the rhythm, energizing the crew, and even hyping up the crowd. With a stick or whip in hand, he shouts, dances, balances, and moves with lightning energy—sometimes with martial-arts-like grace, other times with acrobatic intensity.

Coki is more than a mascot. He’s a tactical timekeeper, maintaining the beat for dozens of oars to strike the water in perfect harmony. His facial expressions, body language, and shouted cues are not just for performance—they're essential for victory.

In recent years, the style of one viral anak coki captured the internet’s heart. A video showing him moving with sharp angles and chest-pounding confidence—set to the backdrop of Melly Mike’s track—was widely shared.

Soon, football teams across Europe and Asia were mimicking the moves in locker room celebrations. On TikTok and Instagram, “#anakcoki” trended for days. What started as a cultural expression became a global movement of admiration.

Melly Mike Joins the Race

“I just had to be there,” said Melly Mike, in a now-viral video posted to his social media platforms. Dressed casually and speaking directly to camera, the U.S. rapper announced:

“What’s up Indonesia! This is Melly Mike, creator of Young Black and Rich. I’ll be heading to Riau for the Pacu Jalur Festival from August 20th to 24th. I’m hyped to experience the culture and perform live for everyone!”

The rapper’s involvement began after his song unintentionally became the unofficial anthem for a viral dance routine filmed on a jalur. Rather than shrug it off, Mike embraced the moment—and decided to see the magic for himself.

The festival organizers, thrilled by the recognition, confirmed that Melly Mike will perform on the opening day of Pacu Jalur 2025, with a cultural collaboration in the works.

This marks a milestone moment—a rare crossover between traditional Indonesian culture and global pop music, built not on marketing, but authentic admiration.

How to Experience Pacu Jalur Firsthand

Want to join the fun and feel the beat of the river under your feet? Here’s how:

When to Go

Pacu Jalur 2025 will be held from August 20th to 24th, coinciding with Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations. The five-day festival includes:

• Opening parade & cultural performances
• Local food and craft markets
• Qualifying rounds of races
• Grand final race day (the most spectacular day)
• Melly Mike’s performance at the main stage in Taluak Village

Where It’s Held

The main venue is the Batik Kuantan Riverbank Stadium, located in Teluk Kuantan, the capital city of Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau Province, Sumatra.

How to Get There from Abroad

Fly to Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur
Most international travelers can enter Indonesia via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta or via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in Malaysia.

Fly to Pekanbaru (PKU)
From Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur, take a domestic flight to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport in Pekanbaru, Riau’s capital city.

Drive to Teluk Kuantan
From Pekanbaru, it’s a 4–5 hour road trip through scenic countryside. Private cars, shuttles, and local taxis are available. Roads are generally well-paved, with plenty of spots to stop and eat along the way.

Where to Stay

• Teluk Kuantan has a growing number of guesthouses, eco-lodges, and hotels, especially around race week.
• Homestays in nearby villages offer immersive cultural experiences and delicious home-cooked Minangkabau and Malay-Riau cuisine.

What to Eat

• Gulai Ikan Patin (Catfish Curry)
• Rendang Lokan (Beef or Clam Rendang)
• Kue Lupis and Lemang (Sticky rice sweets)
• And don’t miss the iced Air Mata Pengantin, a local fruit punch that cools you down after hours under the river sun.

What to Expect

• Rows of colorful dragon boats lined up under fluttering flags
• Chants of “Kayuah! Kayuah!” (Row! Row!) echoing across the river
• Thrilling moments as boats surge ahead, neck and neck
• Anak Coki boys jumping, shouting, dancing at the front of their boats
• Loud cheers from thousands of spectators along the banks
• Cultural dances, fireworks, and food stalls lighting up the nights.

Why It Matters

Pacu Jalur is more than a race—it’s a living story of community, resilience, and tradition. Each boat represents a village, each crew a generation of paddlers, and each beat of the oar a reminder of ancestral pride.

With global eyes now on the event, thanks to viral anak coki moments and international guests like Melly Mike, there’s hope that more people will come to appreciate the richness of Indonesia’s local traditions.

But the soul of Pacu Jalur remains unchanged: it is an invitation to listen, feel, and move together—on water, in rhythm, as one.

Final Paddle

If you're looking for a travel experience that goes beyond beaches and skyscrapers—something rooted in movement, spirit, and the strength of togetherness—mark your calendar for Pacu Jalur 2025. It’s loud, it’s heartfelt, it’s deeply Indonesian—and now, unmistakably global.

And when the anak coki stands up, points forward, and lets out that first commanding cry... You’ll feel it—not just in your ears, but in your chest.