Indonesian Boy’s ‘Aura Farming’ Dance Inspires Global Athletes

Eleven-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dikha from Indonesia has become an internet sensation for his viral dance performed while balancing on the tip of a racing boat during the national Pacu Jalur boat race. His dance, described as a prime example of "aura farming," a term for projecting charisma or coolness effortlessly, features rhythmic arm movements and playful gestures performed without much facial expression in traditional attire. The trend has captivated millions worldwide, with top athletes including NFL star Travis Kelce, F1 driver Alex Albon, and the Paris Saint-Germain football team emulating his moves on social media platforms like TikTok. Dikha, who created the dance spontaneously, serves as the Togak Luan—the dancer who energizes the boat crew during the race—and has been acknowledged for his cultural contribution in Indonesia. The viral phenomenon highlights how Gen Z and Gen Alpha engage with social media trends to maintain social visibility and project effortless confidence. Hashtags like "aura farming kid on boat" have helped spread the trend, making Dikha a symbol of youthful creativity and cultural pride.