Pacu Jalur, a centuries-old boat racing tradition from Riau, Indonesia, has gone from local pride to international sensation—thanks to one young boy, a viral dance, and the unstoppable power of social media.
Once known mostly in West Sumatra, Pacu Jalur is now trending worldwide, bringing Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage into global conversations.
The Viral Moment: A Boy, a Dance, and a Boat
đź“° As reported by BBC News on July 11th, 2025, ‘I created it myself’: The boy behind the viral ‘aura farming’ boat racing dance.
In June 2024, a video began circulating online featuring Rayyan Arkan Dikha, an 11-year-old boy performing a charismatic dance on the tip of a racing boat. Dressed in traditional Riau-Malay attire with sunglasses and a calm expression, his movements were rhythmic, confident, and utterly captivating.
He wasn’t just dancing—he was “aura farming,” a slang term from social media that means building one’s charisma or presence. The term, paired with his cool attitude, sparked millions of views on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Soon, Rayyan’s dance moves were being copied across the world—from Travis Kelce (NFL star and Taylor Swift’s boyfriend) to Paris Saint-Germain’s football team. Even Formula 1 driver Alex Albon jumped on the trend.
What Is Pacu Jalur?
Pacu Jalur is a traditional boat race held annually in Teluk Kuantan, Riau Province. Teams race long wooden boats—up to 40 meters in length—carved from single tree trunks. Each boat carries 40–60 rowers and features a dancer called Togak Luan, whose job is to boost morale and entertain the crowd.
The word “Pacu” means race, and “Jalur” refers to the long canoe-like boats. So, “Pacu Jalur” literally means “racing the long boat.”
Beyond sport, it’s a cultural celebration filled with music, dance, traditional fashion, and village pride.
Why Did It Go Viral?
1. Authenticity and Charisma
Rayyan’s performance was completely spontaneous. In an interview with BBC News, he said, “I came up with the dance myself—it was just spontaneous.” His genuine energy, mixed with cultural pride, resonated deeply with online audiences.
2. Easy to Copy, Fun to Watch
The dance was cool, rhythmic, and easy enough for others to try. TikTok users started recreating the moves using hashtags like #AuraFarmingKid and #BoatDanceChallenge—which collectively earned tens of millions of views.
3. Celebrity Endorsements
When celebrities and global sports teams joined in, it pushed the trend even further. The phrase “His aura made it all the way to Paris” (posted by PSG on TikTok) perfectly captured the moment.
Impact on the Pacu Jalur Tradition
Thanks to this viral wave, Pacu Jalur is no longer just a local event—it’s now an icon of Indonesian cultural pride. Rayyan has been named a Cultural Ambassador of Riau, and he has appeared on national television and met with government ministers.
This renewed attention has brought focus back to:
- The history of Pacu Jalur
- The artistry of the traditional boats
- The importance of preserving regional traditions in a modern world
What’s Next for Pacu Jalur?
With international eyes now on Riau, local communities and tourism boards are preparing to make future Pacu Jalur events even more inclusive and accessible to global audiences. The annual race in August (around Indonesia’s Independence Day) is expected to draw more visitors, media coverage, and cultural exchange than ever before.
Final Thoughts
From a quiet village in Kuantan Singingi to viral fame across continents, Pacu Jalur has become a symbol of how authentic culture and youthful creativity can capture the world’s attention.
What started as a local race has turned into a global cultural moment—all because one boy danced with confidence, tradition, and pure charisma.
Bring the Spirit of Pacu Jalur to Your Brand or Event
Now is the perfect time to ride the wave of this global trend. Whether you’re in tourism, fashion, media, or cultural programming—Pacu Jalur and Rayyan’s viral aura farming story offer a fresh, powerful narrative that connects tradition with modern audiences.
👉 Partner with us to create merchandise, experiences, or content inspired by the Pacu Jalur phenomenon.
👉 Looking to feature this moment in your campaign, event, or brand activation? We offer exclusive packages for licensing, storytelling, collaborations, and themed promotions.
đź“© Contact us today and let’s turn cultural pride into commercial success—because trends fade, but heritage sells.
