Rayyan Arkan Dhika, an 11-year-old from Indonesia, has captured global attention with a dance that blends confidence, tradition, and pure joy.
Performing on the front of a long racing canoe, his now-famous “Aura Farming” dance has turned him into a viral sensation, symbolizing youth culture and cultural pride.
Early Life and Background
Rayyan comes from Kuantan Singingi, a region in Indonesia known for its strong cultural traditions and the annual Pacu Jalur boat race. A lively fifth-grader with a natural love for movement, Rayyan began dancing on boats at just nine years old. What started as playful rhythm on the water soon evolved into something more powerful, a performance that would echo far beyond his local river.
How the Viral Moment Happened
In early 2024, a TikTok video by Lensa Rams showed Rayyan standing confidently at the front of a Pacu Jalur canoe. Dressed in all black and wearing dark sunglasses, he moved with perfect timing, his steps in sync with the rowing crew’s rhythm. The clip quickly caught fire online. Viewers were drawn in not just by his footwork, but by the calm, confident energy he gave off, as if he was born for that exact moment.
Soon, fans coined the term “Aura Farming” to describe the cool presence Rayyan projected during his dance. The phrase spread across TikTok, especially among Gen Alpha and anime-inspired communities, becoming a fun way to describe quiet confidence and charm.
bro’s job is to aura farm pic.twitter.com/aqwyTrezwB
— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) July 2, 2025
Rise to Internet Fame
As the video gained traction, remix edits, memes, and reactions followed. People from around the world tried to replicate his steps, while others simply praised the effortless way he moved. Rayyan’s dance felt fresh, unplanned, and real, a reminder of how a simple moment can capture millions.
In response to the attention, local leaders in Riau named him a Tourism Ambassador, recognizing the pride and visibility he had brought to the region. He was also awarded a scholarship for his role in connecting global audiences with Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
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, 2025
Cultural Importance of Aura Farming and Pacu Jalur
The Pacu Jalur festival is more than a sporting event. It’s a celebration of teamwork, history, and identity. On each canoe, a dancer known as the Tukang Tari performs at the front to motivate rowers and entertain the crowd. Rayyan took on this role with natural flair, embodying both tradition and originality.
His viral performance brought new interest to this cultural tradition. Young people who had never heard of Pacu Jalur started searching for it. Through Rayyan’s videos, they discovered the deeper meaning behind the dance and the race and saw how ancient rituals can thrive on modern platforms.
The Reaper Persona
As Rayyan’s fame grew, his fans gave him a nickname: The Reaper. It started after one viewer commented, “He never misses a beat. He just reaps attention.” The name stuck. In another clip, someone wrote, “He’s called The Reaper because he always wins, without even trying.”
This quiet confidence became part of his image. Rayyan didn’t need to do much. He danced, stared ahead, stayed calm, and the world watched.
Celebrity Reactions and Global Reach
Rayyan’s moves soon reached far beyond Indonesia. NFL star Travis Kelce shared a clip mimicking his walk. Mexican footballer Diego Luna celebrated a goal with Rayyan’s step. The Savannah Bananas baseball team gave him a shout-out, while major brands like Adidas and PSG reposted his dance on their pages.
It wasn’t just about a viral video — it was about the energy he carried. A kid from Kuantan Singingi had found a way to connect with millions without saying a word.
Rayyan Arkan Dhika didn’t plan to become a star. But in a moment of rhythm and confidence on the water, something clicked. His dance helped revive interest in a centuries-old festival, brought pride to his community, and gave young viewers around the world something to smile about.
His story proves that you don’t need a stage to make an impact. Sometimes, all it takes is heart, timing, and a little bit of aura.