Pacu Jalur as a traditional sport heritage: physical, cultural, and pedagogical dimensions of Indonesia’s indigenous boat race

Introduction: Pacu Jalur, a traditional rowing festival from Kuantan Singingi, Indonesia, is more than a cultural evento it represents a confluence of physical, cultural, and educational values. Despite its cultural prominence, scholarly exploration of its interdisciplinary educational relevance remains limited. Objective: This study aims to explore Pacu Jalur as a holistic form of traditional sport heritage, examining its physical, cultural, and pedagogical dimensions through a systematic literature review. Methodology: Guided by the PRISMA protocol, the review synthesized fourteen peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025. Data were extracted using standardized forms and analyzed thematically, focusing on physical benefits, cultural transmission, and educational integration. Discussion: Findings reveal that Pacu Jalur promotes physical fitness, reinforces local identity, and holds pedagogical potential in character education, science, and mathematics. However, current literature is largely descriptive, lacking empirical data and inclusivity perspectives. Conclusion: Pacu Jalur exemplifies a valuable educational and cultural asset. Integrating it into formal curricula and policy could strengthen Indonesia’s educational goals and cultural preservation. Future research should explore its application in inclusive and interdisciplinary contexts.