Eleven-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dika from Indonesia has taken the internet by storm with his captivating dance moves, becoming a global sensation and the face of the trending phrase “aura farming.”
The term refers to the deliberate act of projecting a cool, effortless vibe.
In a viral video, Rayyan is seen dancing confidently on the edge of a canoe being rowed by participants of Pacu Jalur—a centuries-old traditional boat race in Indonesia.
Dressed in a black traditional costume and sporting stylish sunglasses, his performance has amassed millions of views across social media platforms.
Pacu Jalur is a cherished tradition that dates back to the early 17th century and is held annually in August to commemorate Indonesia’s Independence Day.
The event traces its roots to Kuantan Singingi, where riverside communities historically used boats as a primary mode of transport, embedding them into daily life and cultural festivities.
According to Arab News, Indonesia’s Culture Minister, Fadli Zon, was so impressed by Rayyan’s performance that he invited the young dancer to his office in Jakarta, praising both the boy and the cultural significance of Pacu Jalur.
“Pacu Jalur has been one of Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2015. It has always been a part of life for people in Kuantan Singingi, including to celebrate the most important Islamic holidays and also our Independence Day,” said Fadli in a statement.
Rayyan’s role in the race is more than just performative, he serves as the Anak Coki, a traditional dancer whose rhythmic hand gestures and body movements help motivate the rowers and maintain the boat’s balance during the race.
According to Arab News, Rayyan has been participating in Pacu Jalur since the age of nine and has earned a strong reputation as Anak Coki. The video that shot him to fame was originally posted on TikTok in January 2024, but only recently gained global attention.
Since then, it has sparked a worldwide trend of “aura farming,” with celebrities, athletes, influencers, and digital creators recreating the dance.
Among those who joined the trend are NFL star Travis Kelce, boyfriend of pop sensation Taylor Swift, Paris Saint-Germain footballers, and American soccer player Diego Luna, who celebrated with the dance after the USA men’s team defeated Guatemala.
Rayyan’s sudden rise to stardom has earned him national recognition. The Governor of Riau, Abdul Wahid, named him the province’s tourism ambassador and awarded him an education scholarship worth 20 million Rupiah (approximately Sh180,948).
Rayyan is also set to participate in the upcoming Pacu Jalur races this August.
Speaking to reporters in Jakarta, Rayyan expressed his joy over the life-changing moment, “I’m happy that I’ve gone viral globally,” he said.