PACU JALUR

Kuantan Singingi Regency (Kuansing) is a regency in Riau Province, Indonesia. In Kuantan

Singingi has a lots of tourist destination. The most popular tourist destination is Pacu Jalur. Pacu
Jalur is located at Taluk Kuantan.

The history

The history of the Pacu line begins in the 17th century. At the time the dug-outs or Jalur were used
as a means of transport along the Kuantan river from the Kuantan Hulu at the source of the river
all the way down to the Cerenti sub-district at the mouth of the Kuantan river. As ground
transportation was not yet developed during that time, the route was actually used as an important
means of transport for villagers, mainly used as a means of transporting crops, such as bananas
and sugar cane, and serves to transport about 40-60 people. Later, these dug-out boats are painted
or given decorations that include heads of snakes, crocodiles, tigers and sometimes added with
umbrellas. In time its function shifted from being a mere transport means for the people, it became
a splendid royal barge. This water-route gradually transformed from a means of transportation to
part of social identity.

According to the historical record of the path began in Rantau Kuantan around the late 17th
century, the beginning of the path is also used as welcoming honorable guests such as kings, sultans
who visit to Rantau Kuantan. Since 1905 this turned into race and known as Pacu Jalur.

During the Dutch colonial rule Pacu Jalur was held to enliven the traditional celebrations,
festivities of the people and to commemorate the birthday of the queen of the Netherlands
Wihelmina that fell on 31 August. The festival used to start on 31 August to 1 or 2 September
during Dutch era. Pacu Jalur celebration was contested for 2–3 days, depending on the number of
tracks that follow. It was also an event to commemorate the big days of Muslims such as Maulud
Prophet, Idul Fitri or New Year Muharam. However, after the independence of Indonesia, the
festival runway is intended to celebrate the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia
Indonesia.
It must for you to come to Taluk Kuantan( kuansing), which is watching the cultural event of pacu
jalur, but to watch Pacu jalur you have to come in August every year. So far, pacu jalur has been
made as a national tourism calendar event and the sliding day is backward, starting on August 23-
26 every year, except in 2011 where the track pacing was advanced earlier because the Republic
of Indonesia Anniversary was coinciding with the fasting month (the month of Ramadan ) so as
not to disturb the people other than fulfill their obligations ..

The opening of Pacu jalur was very lively. Many dances were displayed. Such as, Sombah carano,
Manyokok. There was also a typical Malay pantun throwing action which is also challenging. and
culinary which were given in the Limuno field. Pacu jalur was attended by the Minister of Tourism
of the Republic of Indonesia, namely: Dr. Ir. Arief Yahya, M.Sc. The community together
witnessed the destination. Not only taluk people who watch, but people outside the city also watch
it.

The opening ceremony closed with the action of the Kolosal Folk Dance. This dance tells about
daily life. Interestingly, at the end of the performance all invited guests were invited to pull together
in the field.

So, Pacu Jalur is a tourist destination that you must visit because is held only once a year. Don't
waste the chance to see this tourist destination of Taluk Kuantan.