Indonesian Boy’s Viral “Aura Farming” Dance Shines Global Light on Pacu Jalur Tradition

An 11-year-old Indonesian boy’s unique dance during a traditional boat race has gone viral, sparking a global trend and bringing new attention to the centuries-old pacu jalur tradition from Riau province. The story of Rayyan Arkhan Dikha, known as Dika, is not just about a viral moment but about how a local cultural practice can suddenly capture the world’s imagination, thanks to the power of social media and a little bit of charisma.

How Dika’s Dance Took the Internet by Storm

Dika’s journey to internet fame started with a simple video. Wearing a black traditional outfit and sunglasses, he performed calm, rhythmic movements at the front of a long, narrow boat during the annual pacu jalur race in Riau. The video, originally posted on TikTok, quickly spread across platforms like Instagram and YouTube, racking up millions of views.

What made Dika’s dance so captivating was its effortless coolness. Social media users dubbed it “aura farming,” a term that had already gained popularity online in 2024, especially among anime fans. The idea is to look so consistently cool and confident that you build up an “aura” around you. Dika’s calm, repetitive moves fit this perfectly, and soon, everyone from professional athletes to celebrities was copying his style.

The impact was huge. Paris Saint-Germain’s soccer team, NFL star Travis Kelce, and even members of the US men’s national soccer team joined in, recreating Dika’s moves in their own celebrations. According to data from TikTok, videos using the “aura farming” hashtag have surpassed 500 million views as of July 2025, showing just how far this trend has reached.

The Pacu Jalur Tradition: More Than Just a Boat Race

Pacu jalur is not a new event. This traditional boat race has been a part of life in Riau’s Kuantan Singingi regency since at least the 17th century. Originally, these long, canoe-like boats were used for transportation along the river, but over time, the races became a way to celebrate important events, especially Indonesian Independence Day in August.

Each boat in the race is powered by a large crew, but what sets pacu jalur apart is the presence of the “anak coki.” This dancer stands at the bow, moving in rhythm to inspire and motivate the rowers. The anak coki’s role is both symbolic and practical, helping to keep the team’s spirits high and their strokes in sync.

The Indonesian government recognized the cultural value of pacu jalur by adding it to the country’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015. According to Indonesia’s Culture Minister Fadli Zon, “Pacu jalur has always been a part of life for people in Kuantan Singingi, including to celebrate the most important Islamic holidays and our independence day.”

Dika’s Rise: From Local Dancer to Tourism Ambassador

Dika has been participating in pacu jalur races since he was nine, but it was only this year that his unique style caught the world’s attention. After his video went viral, the government of Riau took notice. Governor Abdul Wahid named Dika a tourism ambassador for the province and awarded him a scholarship worth 20 million rupiah (about $1,200) to support his education.

This recognition is more than just a reward for Dika. It’s a sign of how local traditions can gain new life and meaning when they reach a wider audience. As Governor Wahid put it, “Today, almost everyone opened their eyes to the vibrant and thriving culture of Riau, especially pacu jalur. This is why I wanted to show my appreciation to Dika.”

Dika himself seems to be taking it all in stride. Speaking to reporters in Jakarta, he said, “I’m happy that I’ve gone viral globally.” He will continue to participate in the races, and his presence is expected to draw even more attention to the event in the coming years.

Why “Aura Farming” Resonates with So Many People

The concept of “aura farming” might sound a bit silly at first, but it taps into something universal. Everyone wants to feel confident and cool, and Dika’s dance is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest gestures can have the biggest impact. The fact that his moves have been copied by athletes and celebrities around the world shows just how relatable this idea is.

Here’s why the trend caught on so quickly:

• It’s easy to imitate, making it perfect for social media challenges.
• The dance is visually striking, especially when performed on the bow of a moving boat.
• It connects people to a deeper cultural story, even if they don’t know the full history of pacu jalur.

According to social media analytics firm Hootsuite, trends that combine visual appeal with a strong cultural backstory are more likely to go viral. Dika’s dance checks both boxes, making it a perfect storm for internet fame.

The Cultural and Economic Impact on Riau

Dika’s viral moment has had real-world effects in Riau. Local tourism officials report a noticeable increase in interest in the pacu jalur festival, with more visitors expected for the next event. Hotels and guesthouses in Kuantan Singingi have seen a 20 percent rise in bookings compared to last year, according to the Riau Tourism Board.

Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

*2025 numbers are projected based on current trends.

The economic boost is significant for a region that relies heavily on tourism and local crafts. Vendors selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts have all reported higher sales during the festival period. The local government hopes that this renewed interest will help preserve the pacu jalur tradition for future generations.

What Makes Pacu Jalur Unique Among Indonesian Traditions

Indonesia is home to countless cultural festivals, but pacu jalur stands out for several reasons. The combination of teamwork, artistry, and community spirit makes it a highlight of the Riau calendar. Unlike some other traditional sports, pacu jalur is deeply tied to the local environment, with the river playing a central role in both the race and daily life.

Key features that set pacu jalur apart:

• Boats can be up to 25 meters long and require up to 60 rowers.
• The event is as much about celebration as competition, with music, food, and dancing.
• The role of the anak coki adds a unique artistic element not found in most boat races.

The festival is also a time for families to come together, with generations gathering to watch the races and cheer on their favorite teams. This sense of community is a big part of what makes the event so special.

How Social Media is Changing the Way We See Tradition

Dika’s story is a perfect example of how social media can breathe new life into old traditions. In the past, pacu jalur was mostly known within Riau and a few neighboring regions. Today, thanks to platforms like TikTok and Instagram, people from all over the world are learning about the event and its cultural significance.

This shift has both positive and negative sides. On one hand, it helps preserve traditions by making them relevant to younger generations. On the other, there’s always a risk that the deeper meaning gets lost in the rush for viral content. For now, though, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many Indonesians expressing pride in seeing their culture celebrated on a global stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dika and Pacu Jalur

What is pacu jalur and where is it held?
Pacu jalur is a traditional boat race held in Kuantan Singingi, Riau province, Indonesia. It takes place every August to celebrate Indonesian Independence Day.

Who is Dika and why did he go viral?
Dika, whose full name is Rayyan Arkhan Dikha, is an 11-year-old boy from Riau who became famous for his unique dance during the pacu jalur race. His moves, known as “aura farming,” went viral on social media.

What does “aura farming” mean in this context?
In this context, “aura farming” refers to looking consistently cool and confident, often through calm and repetitive movements. Dika’s dance on the boat became the symbol of this trend.

How has Dika’s viral moment impacted tourism in Riau?
Dika’s popularity has led to increased interest in the pacu jalur festival, with more visitors and higher hotel bookings reported for the upcoming event.

What is the role of the anak coki in pacu jalur?
The anak coki is the dancer at the front of the boat who performs rhythmic movements to inspire and motivate the rowers during the race.

How long has pacu jalur been celebrated?
Pacu jalur dates back to at least the 17th century and has been a key part of Riau’s cultural heritage for generations.

Is Dika involved in future pacu jalur events?
Yes, Dika has been named a tourism ambassador for Riau and will continue to participate in future races.

How can I watch or participate in pacu jalur?
The event is open to the public and usually takes place in August. Visitors can watch the races in Kuantan Singingi or follow updates on social media.

Conclusion

Dika’s viral dance has done more than just entertain millions; it has brought a centuries-old tradition into the global spotlight and given new energy to the pacu jalur festival. If you enjoyed this story, please share it and let us know your thoughts or questions in the comments below.