Historic Move: Riau Malay Customary Council Designates 23 February as Ecosystem Day

The Riau Malay Customary Council (LAM Riau) has made history by issuing an official proclamation designating 23 February as Riau Ecosystem Day. The designation marks an important milestone for indigenous communities in strengthening their commitment to preserving nature and maintaining ecological balance in Bumi Lancang Kuning.

The Riau Ecosystem Day proclamation was read out during a customary ceremony at the LAM Riau Customary Hall on Jalan Diponegoro, Pekanbaru. The event was attended by Riau Province Assistant III Secretary M Job Kurniawan, Riau Police Human Resources Bureau Chief Commissioner Boy Jeckson Situmorang, Riau Police Community Development Director Commissioner Eko Budhi Purwono representing the Riau Police Chief, Riau Provincial Legislative Council member HM Sumardany Zirnata, the Riau Regional Leadership Communication Forum, LAM Riau Provincial officials and members, and Green Riau Association (PeHR) Chairman Hengky Primana.

The proclamation was signed by the Chairman of the LAM Riau Customary Assembly Council (MKA), Datuk Seri H Raja Marjohan Yusuf, and the Chairman of the LAM Riau Daily Executive Board (DPH), Datuk Seri H Taufik Ikram Jamil. The proclamation was issued following a formal request from the Green Riau Association (PeHR) to LAM Riau to designate 23 February as Riau Ecosystem Day.

“After careful deliberation, the Riau Malay Customary Council of Riau Province invites us all, both here and elsewhere, now and in times to come, to proclaim 23 February as Riau Ecosystem Day,” said Datuk Seri H Raja Marjohan Yusuf in the proclamation on Monday (23 February).

LAM Riau considers the designation necessary as both a reminder and a catalyst to devote attention to Riau’s ecosystem so that it remains well-maintained and beneficial to the people.

The designation of Riau Ecosystem Day serves as a moment to heighten awareness among all elements of society in protecting and caring for the natural environment. This is also in line with Malay customary teachings: “What marks a true Malay is devotion to nature; what marks a wise person is knowing how to keep nature eternal; what marks a person of faith is knowing how to protect the environment.”

On this occasion, Datuk Seri H Raja Marjohan Yusuf called on all people in Riau Province to unite in their efforts to protect nature.

“Therefore, this proclamation shall be spread across the land and sky so that those on shore may see it, those at sea may observe it, and together we join hands to realise our resolve,” he said.

This momentum also strengthens the Green Policing programme championed by Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan. PeHR Chairman Hengky Primana expressed appreciation for the issuance of the proclamation as an initial step towards strengthening community collaboration in caring for nature and the environment.

“We extend our appreciation to LAM Riau for designating 23 February as Ecosystem Day. This marks a new historic milestone in Riau to reaffirm our collective resolve in protecting the natural environment of Bumi Lancang Kuning,” said Hengky.