If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok in the last fortnight, you’ve likely seen him: black outfit, sunglasses, calm expression, arms moving with a confident rhythm while standing on the bow of a long Indonesian racing canoe. Behind him, 12 grown men are paddling with force. But all eyes are on the boy with the moves.
His name is Rayyan Arkan Dikha, and at just 11 years old, he’s become the global face of a new meme: aura farming. The phrase, internet slang for boosting your charisma or “rizz”, now has a poster child—and that poster child comes from a small village in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau Province.
“I came up with the dance myself,” Rayyan told BBC Indonesia. “It was spontaneous.”
@lensa.rams Wow!! King of aura farming dihka Pacu Jalur 🔥🌍 #pacujalur #aurafarming #tiktok #viral #indonesia #fypシ ♬ Young Black & Rich – Melly Mike
The dance, part cheeky and part hypnotic, isn’t just for show. Rayyan plays the role of Togak Luan in Pacu Jalur, a traditional Indonesian boat race where dancers stand on the prow to energise the crew. It’s a job usually reserved for agile children, chosen for their light weight and balance. But Rayyan’s style is different. He doesn’t just boost morale—he owns the moment.
In a race where athletes dig deep, Rayyan performs with uncanny poise: blowing kisses, spinning fists, extending arms like a warrior-prince on water. His performance was captured during his debut race, and within days, it exploded across the internet. Comments dubbed him The Reaper. Memes called him untouchable. “Bro taking out opps while aura farming is crazy,” read one caption.
Soon, everyone was doing it. Paris Saint-Germain filmed their version. F1 driver Alex Albon, NFL star Travis Kelce, and even Olympic-level athletes jumped on board. Kelce’s own take has already racked up more than 14 million views.
Rayyan may not know who these celebrities are (he briefly said he knew Kelce before admitting he didn’t), but fame is clearly finding him. In his home province, he was named a cultural ambassador. In the capital, Jakarta, he met government ministers and appeared on national TV.
@lensa.rams AKSI VIRAL BOCIL PACU JALUR INDONESIA 🇮🇩 #pacujalur #fyp #trending #tradisi #tiktok #budaya .. support by @negriponseltaluk ♬ suara asli – Love You Biba – Rian DTM
His mother, Rani Ridawati, is proud—but not without nerves. “The main concern is that he might fall. There are paddles in the water, and the boat moves fast,” she said. “But he’s a strong swimmer, and there’s a rescue team in place.”
Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon praised Rayyan’s skill. “Dancing on the bow while staying balanced at speed is no easy feat,” he said. “Perhaps that’s why children are chosen. It takes precision and lightness.”
Rayyan’s story is more than just a viral dance—it’s a celebration of tradition, talent, and unfiltered joy. While his current dream is to become a police officer, for now, he’s relishing his moment in the spotlight.
His advice to others?
“Stay healthy, friends, so you can become like me.”
