A lively atmosphere filled Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, as Pacu Jalur 2025 entered its final stage on Sunday, 24 August. The Pacu Jalur, recognised as the largest cultural festival in Riau Province, attracted thousands of spectators from across Indonesia and abroad.
Since its official opening by the Minister of Tourism on 20 August, the festival has drawn strong interest.
Fifteen top teams took to the Batang River to compete for the championship title, following exhibition races along the Narosa River featuring twelve teams from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), local government, sports organisations, and other institutions.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka officially opened the final stage, affirming the government’s commitment to developing Pacu Jalur as an attraction with global reach.
“Pacu jalur is a cultural heritage and also the face of Riau’s creative economy that we must preserve and nurture. Everyone is committed to developing this heritage so that it can grow further, and we will continue to explore the region’s potential so that it can continue to bring honour to Indonesia on the international stage,” said Gibran, as quoted by Metro TV.
Pacu Jalur Festival 2025 Draws National and International Attention
The highlight of the closing ceremony was the unexpected appearance of American rapper Melly Mike, known for his viral track Young Black and Rich. The song gained popularity in Indonesia after being used as the soundtrack for the “Aura Farming” Pacu Jalur dance.
Mike arrived at Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport in Pekanbaru, where he was greeted by Riau Tourism Head Roni Rahmat and a large crowd of fans. At the race location in Kuantan Singingi, he was greeted enthusiastically by the crowd.
He descended into the arena, waving to spectators, and even joined Dika “King Aura Farming” in one of the racing lanes. Together, they performed the “aura farming” dance, while the audience responded with loud cheers.
Melly Mike also shared the boat with Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan during a ceremonial lap of the river. After greeting the crowd, he returned to land and later performed alongside Dika at the closing night of the festival.
Melly Mike: “You Are Like Family”
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Expressing his appreciation, Mike said: “To the people of Indonesia and Kuansing, you have my heart.” Speaking on the YouTube channel of the Kuantan Singingi Communication and Information Office, he added, “Since I arrived, you have made me feel accepted. Your kindness, smiles, and generosity truly make me feel like I am coming home.”
He urged the community not to view him merely as a visitor: “I feel nothing but love here, and I hope you see me not just as a guest, but as someone who truly cares about this place, because you all feel like family to me.”
Mike emphasised that joining the festival had been a privilege: “Being in Riau as part of Pacu Jalur is something I will always be grateful for; it’s an honour. Thank you for accepting me. I truly hope to return one day.”
Before leaving the stage, he performed the kayuah or kayuh greeting, shouting: “I love you all so much, salam kayuah!”
His appearance and participation in Pacu Jalur 2025 symbolised the growing international recognition of the event, reinforcing Riau’s cultural identity while also bridging it with global audiences.
