Reliability and Validity of Digital Performance Measurement in Pacu Jalur, an Indonesian Traditional Boat Racing Sport

Pacu Jalur, Indonesia's traditional boat racing sport, embodies significant cultural and athletic value yet faces limitations in performance evaluation due to reliance on subjective assessments. The absence of validated digital tools hampers both scientific analysis and structured athlete development. This study aimed to design and validate a digital performance measurement instrument specifically tailored for Pacu Jalur racing, ensuring its cultural appropriateness while establishing its psychometric reliability and validity. A total of 120 male Pacu Jalur athletes (aged 17–25 years) from eight elite clubs participated. The tool was developed through a Delphi-based expert consultation with coaches, historians, and engineers. Five performance domains were identified: paddling rhythm, synchronization, speed intervals, reaction time, and finishing precision. Validation proceeded through pilot testing (face validity), test-retest reliability, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Statistical analyses used SPSS 26 and AMOS 24, with Cronbach's α, ICC, CVI, and fit indices as key metrics. The instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.947) and strong test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.891). Content Validity Index averaged 0.92, confirming expert consensus on cultural and performance relevance. CFA supported the five-factor model (<img src=image/19943282_01.gif>=2.147, CFI = 0.934, TLI = 0.921, RMSEA = 0.068, SRMR = 0.052), with factor loadings ≥0.62. Performance differences were observed across experience levels and boat positions, reinforcing construct validity. The validated instrument provides a culturally sensitive, reliable, and objective means of evaluating Pacu Jalur performance. Its application supports athlete training, talent identification, and preservation of cultural sporting heritage. Beyond immediate performance benefits, the methodology offers a transferable framework for integrating digital assessment tools into other traditional sports worldwide.