Attending The 2025 Pacu Festival, Fadli Zon Emphasizes Local Cultural Promotion To The International Stage

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon while accompanying Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to open the 2025 Path Pacu Festival in the Narosa Bank, Central Kuantan, Riau. (IST)

KUANTAN SENGINGI - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, accompanying the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, attended the 2025 Pacu Path Festival in the Banks of Narosa, Central Kuantan, Riau. Menbud Fadli Zon appreciated the holding of a festival initiated by the Riau Provincial Government together with these various parties as a commitment to safeguarding, preserving, as well as promoting local culture to the national and international levels.

"We can see that many world figures and public figures are interested in the 'Togak Luan' movement in Pacu Jalan. We hope that this festival will further expand the introduction of Pacu Jalan, not only in Indonesia but also in the world," said Minister Fadli.

He emphasized that cultural promotion is the mandate of the 1945 Constitution Article 32 Paragraph 1. The state is obliged to advance Indonesian culture in the midst of world civilization. Therefore, we must continue to echo the Pacu Line until it is known on the international stage," he explained.

The Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, in her speech appreciated the steps taken by the Riau Provincial Government and the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government which are committed to developing the Pacu Path tradition. He considered that the Pacu Jalan Festival was in line with national policies in developing regional flagship events.

Festival Pacu Path is a real example of a festival that has succeeded in growing into a cultural icon as well as a tourism magnet. We hope that this festival can become a prima donna for regional tourism, drive the local economy, and provide sustainable benefits for the surrounding community," said Widiyanti.

In line with this, the Governor of Riau, Abdul Wahid, also expressed his hope that the Pacu Jalan Festival would not only be a people's party but a blessing for Riau tourism. "Hopefully the Pacu Line can have a positive impact on MSMEs and the community's economy," said Abdul Wahid.

The Regent of Kuantan Singingi, Suhardiman Amby, as the host of the Pacu Jalan Festival, also expressed his hope that this festival can become an icon of national culture and become a gateway for tourism for foreign tourists.

Pacu Path is a tradition of the long boat rowing competition typical of Kuantan Singingi which has been going on since the 17th century. This hereditary tradition, which is still being carried out by the local community, has been designated as Indonesia's Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2025 in traditional domains and Expressions of Lisan. This year, as many as 288 traditional boats or routes from various regions competed for trophies and attractive prizes. Taking place on August 20, 2025, this festival is targeted to attract more than 1.5 million visitors.

The opening of the festival began with a procession of traditional inauguration for VIP invited guests as a symbol of respect and customary acceptance. Furthermore, the Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, accompanied by the Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon and the officials present carried out the procession of beating gong as a sign of the start of the festival, which was then followed by the first Hilir Line Parade and Pacu which was officially opened by the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Present on this occasion, Head of the Presidential Communication Office, Hasan Nasbi; Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo; Riau Governor, Abdul Wahid; Kuantan Singingi Regent, Suhardiman Amby, regional heads throughout Riau province, ambassadors of friendly countries, as well as traditional and cultural figures.

Closing his statement, Menbud Fadli Zon hopes that the 2025 Pacu Line Festival can become a driving force for the cultural economy as well as a cultural tourist destination that is consistently held every year. "Hopefully this festival will develop as a magnet for foreign tourists and have a good impact on the community's economy," he concluded.