In the fast-moving world of internet culture, few trends capture global attention as swiftly as "aura farming." At the heart of this phenomenon is Rayyan Arkan Dikha, an 11-year-old Indonesian boy whose hypnotic dance on a speeding boat went viral, inspiring athletes, celebrities, and millions online. But what exactly is aura farming, and how did a traditional Indonesian boat race catapult a child into internet stardom?
This article dives into:
✔ The origins of aura farming and its ties to internet slang
✔ Rayyan’s viral dance and its cultural roots in Pacu Jalur
✔ Why celebrities like Travis Kelce and PSG copied the trend
✔ The deeper meaning behind the meme—from confidence to cultural pride
What Is Aura Farming? The Internet’s Obsession with Coolness
Aura farming is a term that exploded in 2024, describing the act of projecting effortless coolness—whether through posture, movement, or sheer confidence. Borrowed from anime and Gen Alpha slang, it’s about cultivating an irresistible "vibe" that commands attention 28.
Rayyan became the ultimate aura farmer when a video of him dancing on a Pacu Jalur racing boat went viral. His sunglasses, stoic expression, and rhythmic arm movements radiated an unshakable aura, making him an overnight sensation 17.
The Viral Moment: Rayyan’s Dance That Took Over the Internet
The clip, originally posted on TikTok in January 2025, shows Rayyan standing at the prow of a 25-meter-long wooden boat, effortlessly executing his now-iconic moves:
- Blowing kisses to the crowd
- Rolling his fists like wheels
- Pointing with Usain Bolt-like confidence 17
Set to the song "Young Black & Rich" by Melly Mike, the video became a meme template, remixed with different tracks and imitated worldwide 10.
Why Did This Dance Go Viral?
- The contrast: A child’s calm demeanor vs. the adrenaline of a high-speed race.
- The mystery: Few knew why he was dancing, adding intrigue.
- The aesthetic: His all-black traditional outfit and sunglasses created a striking visual 35.
Pacu Jalur: The Centuries-Old Tradition Behind the Trend
Rayyan wasn’t just dancing for fun—he was performing a sacred role in Pacu Jalur, a traditional Indonesian boat race dating back to the 17th century.
Key Facts About Pacu Jalur:
- Meaning: "Pacu" = race, "Jalur" = long canoe-like boats.
- Cultural significance: Recognized as UNESCO Intangible Heritage since 2015 4.
- The dancer’s role: Called Togak Luan or Anak Coki, the dancer motivates rowers through rhythmic movements 58.
Rayyan, who started at age 9, became the face of this tradition, blending ancient customs with modern virality 27.
From Indonesia to the World: Celebrities & Brands Join the Trend
Rayyan’s aura farming dance transcended borders, with athletes, influencers, and teams recreating it:
- Travis Kelce (NFL star) posted his version, racking up 14M views 1.
- Paris Saint-Germain mimicked the dance, captioning: "His aura made it all the way to Paris." 7.
- F1 driver Alex Albon, MotoGP’s Marc Márquez, and DJ Steve Aoki also joined in 10.
The trend even reached sports celebrations, with US soccer player Diego Luna using it as a goal celebration 2.
Rayyan’s Impact: Cultural Ambassador & Internet Legend
The Indonesian government quickly recognized Rayyan’s influence:
- Named Tourism Ambassador for Riau Province 4.
- Awarded a scholarship for his education 8.
- Met with Indonesia’s Culture Minister, who praised his role in preserving tradition 7.
Despite his fame, Rayyan remains humble, telling the BBC:
"I came up with the dance myself. It was just spontaneous." 1
His advice to fans?
"Stay healthy, friends, so you can become like me." 7
Why Aura Farming Resonates: More Than Just a Meme
Beyond the laughs and remixes, Rayyan’s story highlights:
✔ The power of cultural traditions in the digital age.
✔ How authenticity breeds virality—his dance wasn’t staged; it was pure instinct.
✔ The global language of confidence—whether on a boat or a football field, aura is universal.
Final Thought: Will Aura Farming Last?
Unlike fleeting TikTok trends, aura farming has roots in history, sport, and identity. As Pacu Jalur races continue (next festival: August 20–24, 2025 5), Rayyan’s legacy ensures this isn’t just a meme—it’s a cultural movement.
So, will you join the trend? Try the dance, embrace the aura, and remember: Coolness is farmed, not faked.
Want to see the original video? Check out BBC’s coverage or TikTok’s #AuraFarming challenge!
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