The "Tarek Pukat" dance (literary means pulling fishing
net) depicts the life of the fishermen in the coastal
area. This includes making nets, rowing boats,
catching fish and pulling the net which actually is
meaning of "Tarek Pukat". The dance is cheerful,
dynamic and accompanied by songs or instruments.
Each dancer has a rope and during the dance these
ropes are woven into net. The dance is always
fascinating because at the end the women are able to
make a fishing net while dancing.
Acehnese is known to have long tradition of fishing.
The term of “Panglima Laôt” (Sea Commander) is tribal
leader in fishing community in Aceh province, indicates
the custom of fishing in Acehnese tradition. The dance
describe the value of teamwork in a fishing boat. One
man alone cannot do everything on the boat; it must
be accompanied with other crews to get the fish. There
will be a captain, crew, boat driver, and fishing net
puller. If the coordination between them is not well,
the fish will not be caught and they will go home with empty hand.