11-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dhika, from Kuantan Singingi district, Riau province, became a social media sensation after a 20-second video of him dancing on the bow of a boat during last year's Pacu Jalur traditional boat race went viral. In the video, Rayyan wears sunglasses and rhythmically sways his arms back and forth as rowers power the boat down the Batang Kuantan river. The video gained recent traction when it was paired with the song "Young Black & Rich" by American rapper Melly Mike.

Rayyan's newfound fame has significantly boosted international attendance at this year's Pacu Jalur.

"I came to see Pacu Jalur because I want to film it and share it with the world," Australian tourist Duncan McNaught told AFP. "The rowers are incredible. I'm really looking forward to the festival."

Yuyun Kurnia, 38, from Medan city on Sumatra island, decided to attend Pacu Jalur after learning about it online. Medan is about a 17-hour drive from the race location.

"I wanted to witness Pacu Jalur firsthand," she said, adding that experiencing it in person was "amazing."

Last year's Pacu Jalur attracted 1.4 million visitors and generated 2.5 million USD for the local economy, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism.

This year's race, which concluded on 24/8, is estimated to have attracted 1.5 million visitors, with a notable increase in international tourists, said Roni Rakhmat, head of Riau's tourism office. Revenue is projected to reach 4.6 million USD due to increased visitor spending.

According to the local government's website, Pacu Jalur originated in the 17th century when long wooden boats called jalur were used to transport people and goods. Boatmen would race each other to the market, which gradually evolved into a formal competition.

After Indonesia gained independence in 1945, Pacu Jalur became an annual August event, commemorating the country's independence day on 17/8. Jalur boats typically range from 25 to 40 meters in length, with crews of 40 to 70 rowers. This year's Pacu Jalur featured 228 teams competing for prizes totaling around 900 million rupiah (55,000 USD), with the top prize being 140 million rupiah (over 8,500 USD).

Two boats race at a time over a distance of about 1 kilometer, with the winner advancing to the next round. Each boat has a dancer, known locally as anak joki. Traditionally, when a boat takes the lead, the dancer stands and dances to signal the rowers and spectators.

This means the dancer cannot be too heavy to maintain the boat's balance. And the dancer's role is no easy feat.

"Dancing on a boat like that boy is not easy," said Frima, a 35-year-old local resident. "If you ask me if I would dare to try, the answer is no."

Rayyan Arkan Dhika dances on a boat during the race on 21/8. Photo: *AFP*

Locals are delighted that Rayyan's viral fame has brought more attention to Pacu Jalur.

"I think it's great that a boy of that age has built his own image. Through his dance, he has introduced Pacu Jalur to the world," said 18-year-old Naysila Ayunita Sari.

Indonesian officials are leveraging the festival's growing popularity to improve organization and river cleanliness, according to Rakhmat. Police and military personnel have been deployed to prevent illegal gold mining activities on the river.

"In previous years, there were hardly any foreign tourists at Pacu Jalur. Now it's different," Rakhmat added.

For locals like Frima, who have watched the race since childhood, the event's newfound international fame is a surprise.

"I never thought that all eyes would be on this small place in western Riau," Frima said. "I am proud that Pacu Jalur is now famous all over the world."

Nhu Tam (*AFP, Channel News Asia*)