A spirited young boy whose signature moves and cultural charm captured hearts around the globe

Rayyan Arkan Dhika, a young boy from Pintu Lubang Village in Kuantan Tengah District, Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, gained global attention through his unique and energetic dance on a Pacu Jalur boat. Born in 2014 and now in fifth grade, Dhika has spent the past two years performing as a "Coki," the term used for a cheerleader dancer in Kuansing’s traditional rowing competitions.

His performance goes beyond typical dance moves. Positioned at the tip of the boat, known as the Togak Luan, Dhika claps the air, rolls his arms, and swings them in rhythm with the rowers, creating a dynamic spectacle. These gestures became known as Aura Farming and quickly turned into a viral trend on social media, especially TikTok.

His videos have reached tens of millions of views, catapulting him into stardom. Dhika’s charisma drew attention not only in Indonesia but also across the world. Football clubs like AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain shared videos of their players imitating his moves. International celebrities such as Neymar, Achraf Hakimi, Travis Kelce, DJ Steve Aoki, and BTS’s Jungkook also joined the trend.

Phrases like "Aura Farming Kid on the Boat" and "Boat Kid Aura Farming" became widely recognized. Influencers from around the globe noticed his performance. Jordanian YouTuber Joe Hattab, with over 17 million subscribers, even visited Riau to witness the Pacu Jalur festival and meet Dhika personally.

Dhika's fame led to invitations abroad, including a visit to Dubai, and he was appointed a Tourism Ambassador for Riau. His journey has brought pride to the people of Kuansing and positioned him as a new cultural symbol for Indonesia’s tourism.

The song “Young Black & Rich” by Melly Mike, frequently used in Dhika’s viral clips, also saw a surge in popularity. In response to public excitement, Melly Mike is set to perform the song live at the Pacu Jalur Festival from August 20 to 24, 2025, in front of thousands of attendees.

With his spirited moves and contagious energy, Rayyan Arkan Dhika is a powerful reminder that local talent and tradition, when shared with passion, can inspire people across the world.

photo source: instagram.com/officialboatkid

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