Kuantan Singingi, Riau. A young boy from Kuantan Singingi, Riau, has captured the hearts of social media users around the world after a video of his energetic Pacu Jalur dance went viral and was imitated by players from European football clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AC Milan.

Rayyan Arkan Dikha, known as Dikha, has been "aura farming" at Pacu Jalur boat races for three years, but his popularity soared after his performance at last year’s Pacu Jalur event in Tepian Narosa resurfaced online, inspiring countless parody videos.

“I didn’t expect it at all,” said Rani, Dikha’s mother. “Out of so many dancers, I didn’t know that Dikha’s video would go viral.”

The viral clip shows Dikha dancing during the final event of the 2024 Pacu Jalur for Tuah Koghi Dubalang Ghajo, a traditional boat racing team in Kuansing. Featuring a song from Melly Mike’s Young, Black, and Rich, the video’s popularity has led representatives from countries such as Dubai and Germany to reach out, expressing interest in meeting Dikha and learning more about Pacu Jalur culture.

“People from Dubai and Germany contacted us, wanting to meet Dikha in person and understand the Pacu Jalur culture,” Rani said.

Dikha, who was born on December 28, 2014, in Pintu Gobang, Kari, Kuantan Singingi, is currently a student at SD 013 elementary school in his village. His passion for Pacu Jalur dancing began early, inspired by his father, Jufriono, who is part of a Pacu Jalur team.

“He often followed his father to practice, and he was born into a family that loves Pacu Jalur,” Rani said.

Pacu Jalur, which translates roughly to “boat track,” is a traditional boat race that dates back to the 17th century in the Kuantan Singingi region. Originally held to celebrate Islamic holidays and honor local leaders, the races take place on the Batang Kuantan River and have evolved into an annual cultural festival drawing thousands of spectators.

The long, narrow boats used in Pacu Jalur can stretch up to 25-40 meters and carry as many as 40-60 rowers, who paddle in sync to traditional drumbeats and songs along a 1-kilometer river stretch. Races often last only about one minute, with teams competing in heats leading to a final championship round.

Within this tradition, dancers like Dikha play a unique role: they stand at the front of the boat, performing energetic dances and chants to motivate rowers and entertain spectators, effectively “farming aura” to boost the team’s morale and rhythm during the race. 

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