Preserving Malay Customs: Riau Police Personnel Required to Wear Traditional Tanjak Every Friday
The Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) has launched an initiative under the banner of “Protecting Honour and Safeguarding Dignity” in the Land of Lancang Kuning. As part of efforts to preserve Malay customs, Polda Riau now requires all its personnel to wear the tanjak — a traditional Malay headpiece — for male officers, and a ceremonial sash for female officers.
The traditional attire must be worn by the entire force of approximately 11,000 personnel across Polda Riau and its 12 district and municipal police commands every Friday. The policy is a cultural approach strategy initiated by Riau’s Police Chief, Inspector General Herry Heryawan.
In his address, Polda Riau’s Head of Human Resources, Senior Commissioner Boy Jeckson Situmorang, explained that the choice of the tanjak and sash was not merely aesthetic adornment but carried deep philosophical significance. The tanjak symbolises dignity, honour, and the resolute character of Malay men, whilst the sash worn across the chest represents trustworthiness, honesty, and steadfastness in duty.
“The use of these attributes affirms two dimensions of police responsibility: the constitutional dimension as law enforcers, and the cultural dimension as part of the Malay community. In line with the principle of ‘Where you stand on the earth, there you hold up the sky,’ the police wish to build public trust by honouring local wisdom,” said Boy Jeckson during the parade at Polda Riau headquarters on Friday, 20 February 2026.
Meanwhile, Polda Riau’s Head of Public Relations, Senior Commissioner Zahwani Pandra Arysad, added that the launch formed part of the Riau Police Chief’s Five Priority Programmes, specifically the aspect of harmonising local wisdom. The appearance of personnel every Friday is expected to reflect a police force that is professional yet humane and rooted in tradition.
“This event coincides with the blessed occasion of the second day of Ramadan 1447 H. We want the tanjak to become a ‘crown of pride’ for every Bhayangkara officer in Riau. The police are not only guardians of security but also guardians of civilisation,” said Pandra.
On the same occasion, the Chairman of the Daily Executive Board of the Riau Malay Customary Institution (LAMR), Datuk Seri H Taufik Ikram Jamil, expressed his highest regard for the policy. Datuk Seri Taufik Ikram noted historically that Polda Riau is the first central government vertical institution in the Land of Lancang Kuning to tangibly incorporate Malay cultural pride into its official identity on a mass scale.
“This is an extraordinary step. The wearing of the tanjak and sash represents dignity that must be collectively upheld. We fully support Polda Riau, which now stands at the forefront in addressing the challenge of preserving noble values in the era of globalisation,” said Taufik Ikram.
Similar support came from the Provincial Government through the Riau Tourism Office. The initiative was considered to be in alignment with the Governor’s Regulation on the preservation of traditional dress, and serves as a tangible example of harmonisation between regional regulations and state institutions.
The solemn launch marks a new era in the relationship between the police and the people of Riau, where the legitimacy of police action is now reinforced by close emotional cultural bonds, in pursuit of the vision: “Protecting Honour, Safeguarding Dignity.”