It started with a simple, spontaneous dance—performed by a barefoot boy, balancing on the prow of a speeding canoe in a remote part of Indonesia. Today, that moment has become a worldwide phenomenon, sweeping through social media, locker rooms, and even elite sporting arenas.
Eleven-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dikha from Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau province, has unintentionally captured the world’s imagination with his now-viral 'aura farming' dance—an internet term used to describe the art of radiating effortless charisma, or what Gen Z might call 'rizz.'
Wearing traditional Malay attire—a Teluk Belanga tunic and Riau headcloth—Rayyan took his place at the very front of a long, racing canoe during the national Pacu Jalur boat race. His role? He’s the Togak Luan—the tip-dancer whose job is to energise the crew as they row with power and precision. But Rayyan didn’t just energise his team—he electrified the internet.
In the now-viral video, the fifth-grader performs with serene confidence. He stands stone-faced yet magnetic, arms swinging rhythmically, sometimes blowing kisses left and right, other times twirling his fists like wheels. He shifts fluidly from one balanced pose to another—all while the canoe, rowed by a dozen adults, cuts through the water at speed.
"I came up with the dance myself. It was just spontaneous," Rayyan said that Indonesia with a humility that belies his global fame.
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From the river to the world
Since late June, TikTok has exploded with hashtags like #AuraFarmingKidOnBoat and #BoatRaceKidAura. The videos featuring Rayyan have racked up millions of views, drawing responses from all corners of the globe. Online fans have even dubbed him 'The Reaper', a nickname rooted in the fact that his team reportedly never loses.
One viral comment sums it up, “Bro taking out opps while aura farming is crazy.”
From there, the phenomenon snowballed. On July 1, Paris Saint-Germain, the famed French football club, posted their version of the dance with the caption, "His aura made it all the way to Paris." The next day, NFL star Travis Kelce—also known as Taylor Swift’s boyfriend—posted his rendition, collecting more than 14 million views. F1 driver Alex Albon and other sports figures have since joined in, further sealing Rayyan’s place as a global trendsetter.
Grace under pressure—and real risk
Yet behind the charm and charisma lies a serious level of skill—and danger. Dancing at the tip of a moving boat, with nothing to hold onto, requires immense balance and focus.
“Maintaining balance as a dancer who motivates the Pacu Jalur rowing team is truly not simple,” said Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, at an event held in Rayyan’s honour. “Perhaps that's why children are chosen—because it’s easier for them to stay balanced.” Rayyan’s mother, Rani Ridawati, admits that while she’s proud, she also worries.
"The main concern is that he might fall. Sometimes if he falls accidentally or suddenly, I worry he might get hit by the paddles,” she said. “But if he falls, there’s already a rescue team in place. And he’s a strong swimmer.”
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From village fame to national recognition
Though Rayyan may not yet grasp the magnitude of his fame—he initially says he knows Travis Kelce before quietly admitting he doesn't—he is fast becoming a national icon. Last week, the Governor of Riau named him a Cultural Ambassador. This week, he and his mother travelled to Jakarta, where they met ministers and appeared on national television.
When asked how he feels about all the attention, Rayyan smiled shyly and said simply, “I’m happy.” His classmates now greet him excitedly, reminding him at every chance, “You’re viral!” Despite his sudden fame, Rayyan has his feet firmly planted on the ground. His dream? To become a police officer one day. And to those who want to follow in his footsteps, he has one humble piece of advice, “Stay healthy, friends, so you can become like me.”
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