Hope That The Pacu Path Tradition Will Not Go Viral For A Moment

JAKARTA Riau cultural observer Taufik Hidayat's viral Pacu Path is a good sign for Indonesian culture to go global. However, there is still a need for qualified governance so that the echo of Pacu Jalan is not just a ride through.

The video Pacu Line or traditional rowing competition typical of Kuantan Singingi Regency (Kuansing) has gone viral in the past few days and has caught the attention of netizens.

This Pacu Path tradition became increasingly popular after a video of a child dancing agilely at the end of a long canoe during the competition attracted widespread attention on social media. This phenomenon has even made European football clubs AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) imitate the style of the Pacu Line boy in Riau.

Not only that, Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka also did not want to miss following the Path Pacu trend. Joko Widodo's eldest son uploaded the Pacu Line dance content.

"Who would have thought, from the edge of Kuantan Singingi, the spirit of Pacu Line can flow into the world's digital universe," wrote Gibran in his video caption.

It was Rayyan Arkan Dikha, an 11-year-old boy from Pintu Lobang Kari Village, Central Kuantan District, Kuansing whose actions on the canoe immediately attracted the attention of many people so that the tradition of Pacu Line became increasingly known, not only in the country but also to the international world.

Riau Cultural Observer Taufik Hidayat said this is a good sign for the promotion of Riau culture not only abroad, but also domestically. What Rayyan did was not a setting from the start.

The current tradition of Pacu Line is due to a number of factors, including the fact that the inter-ray competition in Kuantan Singingi is increasingly being held. Even in the last year, the tradition of Pacu Jalan is said to be even more lively under the leadership of the Regent of Kuansing, Dr. H Suhardiman Amby, MM.

"This is also what makes the path runway even greater and worldwide. Its promotion never stops, the race is increasing, the government supports and the cultural roots of the village become the strength of the competition," said the man who is familiarly called Atan Lasak.

In the future, he hopes that the government will continue to provide support for the Pacu Line. "Culturals must not die. Because with this culture, national characteristics can survive," added Atan.

Lancang Kuning University (Unilak) Cultural Sciences Lecturer Hang Kafrawi, M.Sn said, this phenomenon could be an important moment to introduce local culture to the international stage.

He considered, this is clear evidence that social media and the sophistication of modern technology are able to raise cultural values to become known to the global community.

"The viral child who runs this route is something extraordinary. That is, it is possible that today social media, all technology media, technological sophistication can raise cultural values to the international arena," said Hang Kafrawi, citing the Riau Media Center.

The viral phenomenon of Pacu Line also shows how social media and the sophistication of modern technology can become a bridge for local cultural values to be widely known.

Even with the frills of the Aura Farming trend, the tradition of Pacu Jalan is not only interesting in terms of culture, but also opens up great opportunities for the Riau tourism sector.

"A very interesting phenomenon, especially in tourism. This can be a forum or tool to promote tourism in the Riau area. So, even if you are in a place that is a bit far away, people can know," he explained.

Meanwhile, economic observations as well as lecturers at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Riau University, Gatot Wjayanto, assessed that the viral Pacu Line could be a turning point for Riau's cultural economy, an opportunity that rarely comes twice.

"For decades Pacu Jalan has been a local pride, but the echo is still not optimal," said Gatot.

"Now, when the Dancer dance penetrates a global algorithm, the question is no longer proud or not, but are we ready to welcome this flow of attention with an adequate economic structure?" he continued.

Gatot explained the challenges faced so that the Pacu Path tradition does not go viral for a moment, but can survive as a tradition that continues to be known to the wider community. He mentioned that the main challenges to achieving it are in infrastructure and promotion, two things that he said were closely related.

Until now, access to Kuantan Bay, the main location of the Pacu Line, has not been connected to a comfortable and efficient public transportation route. The road there is still narrow and prone to traffic jams during peak efficacy.

In addition, the choice of lodging based on national and foreign tourist standards is also minimal.

If tourists from Jakarta or abroad want to go to Pacu Jalan, we have to be honest, the facilities have not been supported. This makes the enthusiasm created from cyberspace able to be induced by unpleasant physical experiences," Gatot explained.

To that end, Gatot advised the local and central governments to formulate a master plan for cultural-based tourism infrastructure for Kuantan Singingi.

Not only road and transportation improvements, but also small ports in the Kuantan River, a strong internet network to support live streaming, as well as the development of cultural villages or pole lane educational centers as attractions throughout the year.

Pacu Jalan itu hanya beberapa hari dalam setahun. Bagaimana dengan 360 hari lainnya? Jika tidak ada ekosistem wisaya yang berjalan di luar event, maka dampaknya tidak berkelanjutan bagi masyarakat, terang Gatot.