The Global Trend of Aura Farming, Pacu Jalur Has Existed Since the 18th Century - Check Out the Festival Viewing Guide

Kapanlagi.com - In recent days, social media timelines have been filled with videos of a little boy dancing on top of an traditional Riau boat during the Pacu Jalur competition. This viral video features a child referred to as Togak Luan.

As Togak Luan, he dances stylishly at the end of the lane while maintaining balance as the boat speeds along. This movement is called the aura farming phenomenon because it is considered to exude main character energy like Gen Z on TikTok.

This trend then grew significantly after various artists and public figures, both domestic and international, recreated his dance. The hashtag #AuraFarming also emerged on social media, capturing global attention.

1. From Transportation Means to Cultural Competition

Pacu Jalur has its roots in the 17th century along the Kuantan River, Riau Province, when the jalur (long wooden boats) became a vital means of transportation for carrying agricultural products such as bananas, sugarcane, and people.

The jalur can carry up to 60 people and is often decorated with carvings of dragons, tigers, umbrellas, and ornaments that signify social status, as only traditional leaders and nobles are allowed to use the lavishly decorated jalur.

Around the 18th century, the community began organizing speed competitions between jalur, especially during Islamic celebrations, which later evolved into an official competition commemorating Indonesia's Independence Day every August. Over time, Pacu Jalur became a part of the National Tourism Calendar and was officially recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2014.

Each competing jalur is manned by several important roles: the concang maker (starter), the waist maker (helmsman), the dancer, and the onjay maker. After the carbite cannon is fired, they race through the currents of the Kuantan River towards the finish line.

Each jalur, which is usually made about 40 meters long, costs up to Rp100 million per unit, funded through community self-help, demonstrating a strong spirit of mutual cooperation. Each boat will be paddled by 50�60 people, depending on its length.

2. Viral to the International World

Pacu Jalur © mediacenter.riau.go.id

The excitement of this children's rowing dance has triggered reactions from many celebrities. In Indonesia, Luna Maya, Ruben Onsu, Ayu Ting Ting, and Jessica Iskandar, as well as Cinta Laura, have successfully created the Aura Farming challenge video.

Meanwhile, abroad, parody videos have emerged featuring DJ Steve Aoki and football player Neymar, and even Thai artists like Bank Toranin have tried to mimic the dance style.

This popularity has encouraged foreign media and global accounts to highlight the Pacu Jalur tradition, receiving appreciation from international netizens. This is a rare phenomenon of a local traditional competition going international.

3. Guide to Watching Pacu Jalur 2025

Pacu Jalur © mediacenter.riau.go.id

The Pacu Jalur Festival 2025 is scheduled to take place from August 20 to 24, 2025, at Tepian Narosa, Teluk Kuantan, Kuantan Singingi Regency. For tourists from Indonesia, transportation options include flights to Pekanbaru (Sultan Syarif Kasim II airport), followed by a bus/group trip to Teluk Kuantan with an estimated round-trip cost of around Rp1.5 million depending on the travel class.

Accommodation in Kuansing ranges from homestays to star-rated hotels, with prices ranging from Rp300,000 to Rp700,000 per night. Access to the competition area is open and free, but premium stands may incur a voluntary donation or VIP ticket fee. Don't miss the MSME bazaar and local art performances by the riverside.

4. Claims from Malaysia and Vietnam

When Pacu Jalur went viral, claims emerged from citizens of Malaysia and Vietnam who believed that the trend originated from their traditions, sparking heated discussions on social media. The Riau government and the Indonesian Ministry of Culture firmly stated that Pacu Jalur is an original cultural heritage of Riau, Indonesia, dating back centuries.

The Governor of Riau supports official registration efforts and cultural diplomacy to ensure that the original identity of Pacu Jalur is preserved and not culturally appropriated by other countries.

5. Who is Dikha?

The child who went viral in the video is named Rayyan Arkan Dikha, an 11-year-old from Kuantan Singingi. As a 'Dancer', he gained fame through videos posted on TikTok and Instagram. Although he is not part of the official media team, his role is dominant and has captured global attention.

Dikha, who was born on December 28, 2014, has been dancing in Pacu Jalur for three years and practices three times a week. According to riau.disway.id, he inherited his talent from his father.

His father is also a Pacu Jalur athlete. The extended family is indeed Pacu Jalur athletes, said Rani, Dikha's mother.

(kpl/tdr)