Eleven-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dhika from Indonesia has garnered global attention with his energetic dance moves. Fans affectionately refer to him as the “Aura Farmer” for his ability to boost team spirit during traditional boat races. In a recent interview with the BBC, he shared insights about his sudden rise to fame.
Rayyan showcased his unique dance on the bow of a boat during the Pacu Jalur race in Riau, Indonesia. This event features long, colourful boats manned by teams of up to 60 rowers. As a “Togak Luan,” he energised the team with his rhythmic movements to build an “aura,” or sense of energy and excitement.
“I came up with the dance myself,” Rayyan told BBC Indonesia. “It was just spontaneous. Every time my friends see me, they say, ‘You’re viral.’”
11-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dhika, also known as the “Aura Farmer,” reacts to going viral in a BBC interview
“I came up with the dance myself. It was just spontaneous. Every time my friends see me, they say, ‘You’re viral.’” pic.twitter.com/fgeYL39IvA
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) July 13, 2025Videos of his performance spread rapidly on TikTok and X, attracting millions of viewers. This phenomenon turned “aura farming” into a trending topic. The term originates from anime and gaming, where characters collect “aura” to gain power.
Athletes, including NFL star Travis Kelce, began to imitate Rayyan’s dance moves. Other professionals joined the trend by sharing videos online, which helped increase the dance’s popularity around the world. Rayyan’s story showcases Indonesia’s rich cultural traditions. The Pacu Jalur races, which celebrate community and skill, have roots that date back centuries.
In the BBC chat, Rayyan remained humble. While he enjoys the attention, he prioritises having fun. His friends tease him about his rising stardom, but he stays grounded. Experts note that social media has the power to transform local moments into global sensations. Rayyan’s experience highlights how kids can showcase their creativity online.
