Indonesian child’s viral fame draws tourists

Armed with colourful oars, rowers pack into long boats in western Indonesia, paddling furiously in front of race crowds swelled by the viral success of a young boy famous for his dancing at the front of the traditional vessels.

The annual Pacu Jalur race on Sumatra island culminates on Sunday, with officials estimating as many as 100,000 more spectators this year because of 11-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dikha’s dance moves on the fast-moving boats.

“I came to watch Pacu Jalur because I wanted to film and show the festival to the world,” Australian tourist Duncan McNaught told the media.

“I think the guys who row are crazy. They’re awesome. I’m just looking forward to it.”

Rayyan Arkan Dikha is carried on the back of American rapper Melly Mike, whose song was used in the viral video, as they leave the Pacu Jalur festival, a traditional longboat race on the Kuantan River, in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau Province, on Sunday. AFP

A 20-second clip of Rayyan dancing on the boat has racked up millions of views on social media.

Sports stars including Formula One’s Alex Albon and MotoGP’s Marc Marquez imitated his moves in their own videos, swirling their hands then swinging their arms back and forth.

The viral dance craze has drawn visitors from across the country and world to the Kuantan river in Sumatra’s Riau Province.

Indonesian national Yuyun Kurnia, 38, travelled from the Sumatran city of Medan, a 17-hour drive away, to watch Pacu Jalur after learning about it online.

“After it went viral on social media, I want to see Pacu Jalur directly,” she told AFP, adding that it was “amazing” to watch the race in person.

Rayyan Arkan Dikha speaks with American rapper Melly Mike.

Last year, the race drew 1.4 million visitors and more than $2.5 million to the local economy, according to the tourism ministry.

This year, 1.5 million spectators are expected, with a significant influx of foreigners, Riau tourism agency head Roni Rakhmat told the media.

Officials believe revenue could jump to as much as $4.6 million on the back of increased per-person spending.

Pacu Jalur dates back to the 17th century, according to a local government website, when residents transported goods and people using traditional wooden long boats called “jalur”.

The boat evolved to be used for races, now held every August.

Agence France-Presse