What happens when you mix an 11-year-old boy’s infectious dance moves with a traditional boat race? You get a viral sensation that’s taking social media by storm! Meet Dika, the young Indonesian who became an unexpected star after a clip of him dancing during the pacu jalur race went absolutely viral.

Based in the Indonesian province of Riau, Dika is now living proof that sometimes, a little flair can open doors you never knew existed. The video, which captures him clad in an all-black traditional costume and oversized shades, showcases him dancing with so much swagger at the head of a racing boat, while the rowers behind him paddle with all their might.

But Dika's viral fame didn't stop there. His charismatic moves inspired a wave of copycats—yes, you heard that right! Athletes, politicians, and even military personnel have jumped onto social media to try their hand at what’s now being called ‘aura farming.’ This trendy term, popularized by Gen Alpha, refers to doing something cool to boost one’s cool factor, and oh boy, did they try!

Among the many who joined in the fun was none other than the Singapore Navy, who took to Instagram on July 16 to post a video of their sailors giving it a shot on board the MSRV Protector. The result? A massive 474,000 likes on Instagram and a staggering 5.3 million likes on TikTok! Talk about flexing!

And the fun didn’t end there! The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) joined the party on July 20, posting their own rendition of Dika's dance on TikTok while en route to a National Day Parade rehearsal, racking up over 37,000 likes. The Singapore Police Force also got in on the action, adding to the growing collection of viral tributes with their own dance post that gained over 38,000 likes.

Even politicians are catching the wave! Grace Fu, the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, joined in on July 14 while participating in an Adventist Community Services event. “Aura farming not to impress but for a good cause,” she captioned her post, seeking to inspire a more meaningful engagement.

Dika’s influence has been monumental. He’s not only made waves within Indonesia but has also attracted attention from international stars. Celebrities such as Travis Kelce, Formula 1 driver Alex Albon, and members of the popular band NCT have all jumped on the trend, showing how far a little dance can go!

For context, the pacu jalur race is a historical event part of an annual festival where children dance at the front of racing boats to motivate the rowers. The tradition highlights the lightness of children, making them the perfect choice for the lively role without adding weight to the canoe.

Thanks to his newfound fame, Dika has been named the tourism ambassador for Riau, where he now embodies the spirit of his vibrant culture. Who knew that a simple dance could lead to such remarkable opportunities?