LAMR Praises Riau Police Innovation: First Institution to Uphold the Dignity of the Tanjak
The Malay Customary Institution of Riau (LAMR) has expressed its appreciation to the Riau Provincial Police (Polda Riau) for launching the use of traditional Malay Tanjak and Selempang attributes for all its personnel. The policy has been hailed as a concrete step in preserving and upholding the dignity of Malay culture amid the tide of globalisation.
LAMR Daily Executive Board Chairman Datuk Seri H. Taufik Ikram Jamil expressed his pride whilst attending the launch ceremony held at the Riau Provincial Police Headquarters in Pekanbaru on Friday (20 February 2026). He noted that the selection of the Tanjak and Selempang was not merely an aesthetic uniform decision, but a deeply symbolic choice reflecting values of honour.
"We are deeply heartened by what Polda Riau has done. Firstly, because Polda Riau has chosen an extraordinary symbol — a matter of dignity that must be safeguarded together — namely the Tanjak and Selempang," said Datuk Seri H. Taufik Ikram Jamil at Riau Provincial Police Headquarters in Pekanbaru.
The Tanjak is a traditional Malay head covering for men, made from songket or woven cloth that is folded and tied in a specific manner known as solek. It serves as a symbol of dignity, authority, and cultural identity. Historically worn by nobility and warriors, the Tanjak is now commonly used at customary ceremonies, weddings, and formal occasions.
Amid the challenges of an era demanding cultural adaptation, Polda Riau has emerged as a pioneer among central government institutions in officially implementing local wisdom.
"As an institution tasked with preserving culture, we note that this is the first vertical institution to attempt to explore, apply, and implement what constitutes the pride of Riau Malay through the Tanjak," he affirmed.
This initiative is further complemented by the Green Policing programme championed by Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan. The combination of environmental policy and cultural preservation is regarded as an apt strategy for building the nation from the perspective of noble local values.
Polda Riau's move is expected to serve as an example for other institutions in respecting and elevating regional identity as part of the national identity, thereby strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and indigenous communities in Riau Province.
Polda Riau has introduced a new internal policy as part of efforts to nurture Malay culture. The force now requires all its personnel to wear the Tanjak for male officers and the Selempang for female officers (Polwan).
These customary attributes must be worn by the entire force of approximately 11,000 personnel across Polda Riau and its 12 district police commands (Polres/Polresta) every Friday. The policy represents a cultural approach strategy initiated by Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan.
In his address, Riau Police Human Resources Bureau Chief Commissioner Boy Jeckson Situmorang explained that the selection of the Tanjak and Selempang was not merely decorative, but laden with philosophical significance. The Tanjak symbolises dignity, honour, and the firmness of Malay masculine character. Meanwhile, the Selempang draped across the chest represents trustworthiness, honesty, and steadfastness in duty.
"The use of these attributes affirms two dimensions of the National Police's responsibility: the constitutional dimension as law enforcers, and the cultural dimension as part of the Malay community. In keeping with the principle 'Where the earth is trodden, there the sky is upheld,' the National Police seeks to build public trust by honouring local wisdom," said Boy Jeckson during the roll call at Riau Provincial Police Headquarters on Friday (20 February 2026).
LAMR Daily Executive Board Chairman Datuk Seri H. Taufik Ikram Jamil expressed his pride whilst attending the launch ceremony held at the Riau Provincial Police Headquarters in Pekanbaru on Friday (20 February 2026). He noted that the selection of the Tanjak and Selempang was not merely an aesthetic uniform decision, but a deeply symbolic choice reflecting values of honour.
"We are deeply heartened by what Polda Riau has done. Firstly, because Polda Riau has chosen an extraordinary symbol — a matter of dignity that must be safeguarded together — namely the Tanjak and Selempang," said Datuk Seri H. Taufik Ikram Jamil at Riau Provincial Police Headquarters in Pekanbaru.
The Tanjak is a traditional Malay head covering for men, made from songket or woven cloth that is folded and tied in a specific manner known as solek. It serves as a symbol of dignity, authority, and cultural identity. Historically worn by nobility and warriors, the Tanjak is now commonly used at customary ceremonies, weddings, and formal occasions.
Amid the challenges of an era demanding cultural adaptation, Polda Riau has emerged as a pioneer among central government institutions in officially implementing local wisdom.
"As an institution tasked with preserving culture, we note that this is the first vertical institution to attempt to explore, apply, and implement what constitutes the pride of Riau Malay through the Tanjak," he affirmed.
This initiative is further complemented by the Green Policing programme championed by Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan. The combination of environmental policy and cultural preservation is regarded as an apt strategy for building the nation from the perspective of noble local values.
Polda Riau's move is expected to serve as an example for other institutions in respecting and elevating regional identity as part of the national identity, thereby strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and indigenous communities in Riau Province.
Polda Riau has introduced a new internal policy as part of efforts to nurture Malay culture. The force now requires all its personnel to wear the Tanjak for male officers and the Selempang for female officers (Polwan).
These customary attributes must be worn by the entire force of approximately 11,000 personnel across Polda Riau and its 12 district police commands (Polres/Polresta) every Friday. The policy represents a cultural approach strategy initiated by Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan.
In his address, Riau Police Human Resources Bureau Chief Commissioner Boy Jeckson Situmorang explained that the selection of the Tanjak and Selempang was not merely decorative, but laden with philosophical significance. The Tanjak symbolises dignity, honour, and the firmness of Malay masculine character. Meanwhile, the Selempang draped across the chest represents trustworthiness, honesty, and steadfastness in duty.
"The use of these attributes affirms two dimensions of the National Police's responsibility: the constitutional dimension as law enforcers, and the cultural dimension as part of the Malay community. In keeping with the principle 'Where the earth is trodden, there the sky is upheld,' the National Police seeks to build public trust by honouring local wisdom," said Boy Jeckson during the roll call at Riau Provincial Police Headquarters on Friday (20 February 2026).