When BTS members V and Jungkook recreated Indonesia’s viral “aura farming” move during their performance in Mexico, fans immediately noticed.
The moment happened during Not Today at the group’s concert on 11 May 2026 and quickly spread online, with many Indonesian fans celebrating the unexpected cultural crossover.
It was not the first time the two BTS members had referenced the trend. During an Instagram Live session from inside a car in Los Angeles on 17 July 2025, V and Jungkook casually performed similar hand gestures while greeting fans. At the time, the pair were reportedly in the United States preparing for BTS’s upcoming album comeback.
BTS Joins the Global Aura Farming Trend
The movement recreated by V and Jungkook traces back to Indonesia’s Pacu Jalur tradition and became widely known online under the name “aura farming”.
“Aura Farming” is a Gen Z phrase used to describe a calm, charismatic style that appears effortless. Although the term had already gained traction in 2024, it reached a wider audience after videos of Indonesian boy Rayyan Arkan Dikha gained international attention.
Rayyan became known through videos filmed during Pacu Jalur, a traditional boat race held in Kuantan Singingi, Riau.
The trend soon appeared beyond Indonesia and was discussed by international media outlets, introducing many global audiences to a cultural tradition they had never seen before.
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The Story Behind Pacu Jalur
Behind the viral trend is a tradition with a much longer history. Pacu Jalur is a traditional longboat race from Kuantan Singingi, Riau, with roots dating back to the 17th century.
More than a sporting event, it reflects local identity, cooperation, and community spirit.
During the race, a child performer known as Togak Luan or Anak Coki stands at the front of the boat.
Their role is to encourage the rowing team through rhythm and movement while maintaining balance. It was this performance element that eventually caught attention online and became associated with the “aura farming” trend.
In 2024, Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology officially recognised Pacu Jalur as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its cultural value and historical importance.
What started as a local tradition on the rivers of Riau has now found its way onto international stages. And with V and Jungkook casually bringing the movement into a BTS performance, Indonesian fans once again saw a familiar piece of culture appear in an unexpected place.
For many viewers, it was not simply about a dance move. It was a reminder that traditions can travel, evolve, and connect with audiences far beyond where they began.
