Experience the vibrant Pacu Jalur Kuantan River Boat Race in Riau, Sumatra – a cultural festival full of tradition, speed, and unity. Featuring the iconic Aura Farming boy, Rayyan Arkan Dikha, capturing hearts as tradition meets modern viral charm on the
Riau’s Pacu Jalur and the Aura Farmer Boy Captivated the World
Every August, the tranquil waters of the Batang Kuantan River in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, transform into a festival of power, tradition, and vibrant community spirit. Longboats, carved from single tree trunks and powered by dozens of rowers, slice through the current in what is known as Pacu Jalur—one of Indonesia’s oldest and most culturally rich boat races.
But in 2025, this centuries-old tradition caught the attention of the global digital world—thanks to an 11-year-old boy named Rayyan Arkan Dikha, now known affectionately around the internet as the “Aura Farmer Boy.”
Originating in the 17th century, Pacu Jalur began as a way for Riau’s riverine communities to honor local kings and celebrate Islamic holidays. Over time, it evolved into a signature cultural festival held every year to commemorate Indonesia’s Independence Day.
The boats, called jalur, are massive, some stretching up to 40 meters, and require 40–60 rowers to steer them down the muddy river at astonishing speeds. Each team is a symbol of village pride, and the preparation begins months in advance.
Beyond the competition, Pacu Jalur is a living tradition. Rituals, parades, music, and dance surround the event, turning Kuantan Singingi into a hive of cultural celebration that welcomes visitors from across Indonesia—and now, the world.
Pacu Jalur is a traditional boat race that originates from the Kuantan Singingi Regency (often abbreviated as Kuansing), in Riau Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. It is one of the most iconic cultural events in Riau and holds deep historical and spiritual significance for the local Malay community.
Cultural and Historical Roots. Pacu Jalur literally means "row the lane" in the Minangkabau-influenced Malay dialect. It dates back to the 17th century and was originally held as a royal celebration or tribute to local kings and sultans. Over time, it became part of Islamic festivals and later evolved into a national event commemorating Indonesia’s Independence Day every August.
The Boats (Jalur). The jalur boats are long, wooden boats carved from single large tree trunks, especially hardwoods like meranti or kulim. A single boat can measure 25 to 40 meters in length and carry 40 to 60 paddlers, along with a helmsman, drummer, and flag bearer. Each boat is uniquely decorated, often with colorful carvings, flags, and traditional motifs representing the village’s pride and identity.
The Race. The race is usually held on the Batang Kuantan River, a large river that runs through Kuantan Singingi. Teams from various villages across the regency (and even from other regions) train for months to compete. The race is highly competitive and festive, drawing thousands of spectators, including tourists, media, and government officials.
Spiritual and Communal Elements. Before the race, rituals such as "mandi jalur" (boat bathing) and offerings to ancestral spirits are held to ensure good fortune. It is also a moment of unity, where the entire village comes together to support their team, prepare the boat, and host guests.
Recognition and Promotion. Pacu Jalur has been recognized as part of Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Education and Culture. It is actively promoted as part of Riau’s tourism strategy and is often included in national cultural festivals. Pacu Jalur is a major cultural event in Riau, specifically in the Kuantan Singingi Regency (Kuansing), Sumatra, Indonesia.
Pacu Jalur is one of the most important traditional events in Riau. It reflects local Malay heritage, community unity, and historical tradition. The race features long wooden boats (called jalur), each manned by 40–60 rowers, competing along the Batang Kuantan River. The tradition dates back to the 17th century, initially held as a royal celebration and later incorporated into religious and national holidays, especially around Indonesia’s Independence Day (August 17). Pacu Jalur has been officially listed as part of Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Every August, the Pacu Jalur Festival draws tens of thousands of visitors, including tourists, government officials, and international guests. The festival includes not only the race but also traditional dances, music, and food fairs.
Why It’s Important to Riau:
· It’s a source of local pride, with entire villages supporting their boat teams.
· It helps preserve traditional craftsmanship, such as boat-making and costume design.
· It boosts tourism and the regional economy.
· It provides a stage for younger generations, like Rayyan Arkan Dikha, to carry on cultural identity through modern expression.
Pacu Jalur is more than just a boat race—it’s a powerful symbol of Riau’s Malay heritage, community strength, and cultural pride. The combination of athletic skill, ornate tradition, and ceremonial rituals make it one of Indonesia’s most visually captivating and culturally rich folk events.
While Pacu Jalur has long been cherished locally, it was Rayyan Arkan Dikha who gave it an unexpected digital revival. In one now-viral video, Rayyan—then just 10 years old—stood proudly at the front of a racing jalur, dressed in black traditional Teluk Belanga attire, sunglasses, and a batik headscarf. As the boat sliced through the water, Rayyan performed calm, calculated hand gestures: blowing kisses, pointing skyward, and repeating smooth, hypnotic moves. He did it all without breaking his stoic expression.
This poised performance instantly captivated the internet. Social media users dubbed it “Aura Farming,” a Gen Alpha term describing the projection of calm confidence and charisma. What was meant to be a spontaneous show of cultural pride became a global movement, sparking admiration, memes, and imitation videos from celebrities and fans worldwide. Here’s everything you should know about Rayyan Arkan Dikha, the 11-year-old “Aura Farmer Boy” from Riau:
Full name: Rayyan Arkan Dikha. Born: December 28, 2014, in Pintu Gobang village, Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia. Age: 11 (as of mid‑2025). School: SD 013 Pintu Gobang. Family & training: His father, Jufriono, is a Pacu Jalur athlete. Rayyan learned his dance moves autodidactically by following his father and the local training, without formal lessons. He started performing as “Togak Luan”—the dancer at the boat’s prow—at age 9.
A Viral Sensation Born from Tradition
Rayyan’s aura farming dance became one of the most viral moments of 2025. Celebrities like Travis Kelce, F1 driver Alex Albon, and AC Milan players recreated his moves. Organizations like the Singapore Navy and India’s CRPF joined the fun, paying homage to the boy’s grace under pressure.
But the moment was more than just entertainment—it sparked interest in Pacu Jalur itself. Foreign viewers started asking questions: Where is Riau? What’s Pacu Jalur? What is Togak Luan? Rayyan had unintentionally become an ambassador of Malay culture, opening a door for global audiences to discover the heritage behind the performance.
During the Pacu Jalur boat race in Riau, Rayyan stood at the front of a speeding long canoe, dressed in traditional black Teluk Belanga attire, a Malay Riau headcloth, and sunglasses. He performed smooth, rhythmic arm gestures, blew kisses, and kept a calm, serious expression as the boat glided along the Batang Kuantan River. The dance was completely spontaneous, created in the moment without prior choreography. Rayyan explained he simply felt inspired during the race.
The video was posted on TikTok in January and rapidly went viral in June–July 2025, capturing global attention across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts.
Internet users coined the term “aura farming” to describe the way he effortlessly projected charisma, calm energy, and style—repeating simple movements that conveyed presence and confidence. The trend had emerged in Gen‑Alpha slang in 2024, but gained global attention through Rayyan’s performance.
In recognition of his contribution, the Governor of Riau appointed Rayyan as the Tourism Ambassador of the Province. He was awarded a scholarship and praised for his role in preserving and promoting Riau’s cultural legacy.
Despite the fame, Rayyan remains grounded. A student at SD 013 Pintu Gobang, he dreams of one day joining the military. His father, a Pacu Jalur athlete himself, says Rayyan learned to dance by watching others and practicing at home—without ever receiving formal lessons.
Global Impact & Cultural Resonance
Rayyan’s “aura farming” dance inspired recreations by celebrities and athletes worldwide—including Travis Kelce, Alex Albon (F1), footballers from PSG and AC Milan, and even CRPF India and the Singapore Navy, who recreated the moves in official videos.
Netizens nicknamed him “The Reaper”, referencing his confident, undefeated aura. One popular comment declared: “He’s known as ‘The Reaper’ because he never loses”.
Official Recognition
The Governor of Riau appointed Rayyan as the Tourism Ambassador of Riau Province, acknowledging his role in bringing international attention to local Malay culture and Pacu Jalur. He also received an educational scholarship of around ₨ 20 million as a symbolic reward.
His elevation to tourism ambassador and accompanying scholarship were framed as motivations for other young Riau residents to cherish and promote their cultural heritage.
Rayyan’s story is a powerful illustration of how traditional cultural expressions can resonate globally through digital platforms. He bridged centuries-old tradition (Pacu Jalur dances) with modern internet culture (aura farming), turning a local boat dance into a worldwide phenomenon and cultural symbol. In short, Rayyan Arkan Dikha isn't just an internet meme—he’s a young cultural ambassador who turned a traditional boat race dance into a global moment of style and cultural pride.
Tradition Meets TikTok
Rayyan Arkan Dikha’s story is a powerful reminder of how authentic cultural expression can resonate across borders. His viral dance wasn’t designed for fame; it was a genuine reflection of tradition, performed with pride, presence, and passion.
In an era where trends fade quickly, the enduring impact of Rayyan’s aura farming—and the centuries-old Pacu Jalur festival—shows that the most meaningful movements come from the heart of culture. And as long as the Batang Kuantan continues to flow, and young dancers like Rayyan stand at the bow, Riau’s rhythm will echo far beyond its riverbanks.
From Local Tradition to Global Trend
A Captivating Performance at Pacu Jalur. Rayyan took on the role of Togak Luan—a symbolic lead dancer at the bow of a speeding longboat during the Pacu Jalur race in Kuantan Singingi, Riau. His job is traditionally to inspire the rowers with rhythmic movements and unwavering focus.
A Viral Moment of Calm Charisma. What turned heads globally was Rayyan’s spontaneous routine—complete with sunglasses, serious expression, and smooth repetitive arm gestures like blowing kisses and pointing upward—all while standing steadily on a racing canoe. With no rehearsal, his performance exuded effortless style.
The Birth of “Aura Farming”
The term “aura farming”—coined in online slang—perfectly captured Rayyan’s magnetic presence: calm, confident, and charismatic. The concept combines the idea of game‑style “farming” with projecting a non‑chalant, stylish aura.
The simplicity and repetition of his gestures made them easy to mimic. Soon, celebrities and public figures worldwide recreated Rayyan’s moves: Travis Kelce, Alex Albon, PSG and AC Milan footballers, Marc Márquez, Steve Aoki, and even international institutions like the CRPF India and the Singapore Navy joined in.
Rayyan’s video spotlighted Pacu Jalur, a centuries‑old tradition, on a massive global stage—inspiring curiosity and pride in Indonesian culture. In response, the Governor of Riau appointed him Tourism Ambassador, and he received a scholarship as symbolic recognition for turning local heritage into a digital phenomenon.
In essence, Rayyan’s calm poise, cultural authenticity, and viral visibility created a perfect storm: a simple, stylish performance that transcended language and geography and inspired a new global aesthetic expression—“aura farming.”
