Riau Governor Plans Islamic Centre Integrated with Malay Civilisation Heritage
Riau Governor Abdul Wahid has begun designing and refining the concept of an Islamic Centre integrated with Malay cultural civilisation. This was evident during his visit and discussion with prominent Riau figure Mahyudin Al Mudra, who is dedicated to the study and development of Malay culture, in Yogyakarta on Saturday, 3 May 2025.
Mahyudin Al Mudra said he established the Centre for the Study and Development of Malay Culture (BKPM) more than 20 years ago. The institution has published numerous books on Malay culture and collected manuscripts and artefacts of Malay civilisation, both from Indonesia and kindred nations.
"This institution has been standing for over 20 years, Governor. During that time, I have dedicated myself to developing Malay culture. We have published many books, collected items from my travels, and established partnerships with universities both domestically and abroad," Mahyudin explained.
According to Mahyudin, Malay culture must be transformed into living values. "Not only its philosophical values, but it must also have economic value, such as developing the tourism industry — destinations, carvings, culinary arts and so forth," he said.
Governor Abdul Wahid expressed admiration for the dedication and collection maintained by the Riau figure based in Yogyakarta. He said he drew inspiration to build a Malay civilisation museum that would be integrated with the Islamic Centre.
"I am truly impressed by Bang Mahyudin's dedication to preserving and nurturing Malay culture. I feel inspired after visiting here," Abdul Wahid said.
During the brief discussion, Abdul Wahid outlined his plans to build an Islamic Centre integrated with a Malay civilisation hub. "I plan to build an Islamic Centre integrated with a Malay cultural centre, including a museum. That is why we need concepts and input from various parties," he explained.
"A living, futuristic and comprehensive museum that can be appreciated not only for its teachings but also for its uniqueness and distinctiveness — becoming a global reference centre for Malay culture," Wahid added.
Abdul Wahid also revealed his plans to develop the tourism industry, including destinations, culinary offerings and other distinctive features for public enjoyment. "I agree with transforming culture in a contemporary context, so that our generation can study it, take pride in it, and also push it into industry so that it has economic value," he said.
Former Riau Governor Rusli Zainal was also present at the visit. He strongly supported efforts to develop Malay culture in a contemporary context. "During my era, there was already a regional regulation on the Riau 2020 vision, one of which was to make Riau Province the centre of the Malay economy and culture in Southeast Asia. What has been started must be continued and developed, including the establishment of a language tower, given that the Indonesian language originates from Malay," said the former governor, popularly known as RZ.
Governor Abdul Wahid also announced plans to hold a Malay kinship conference on each anniversary of Riau Province. "Going forward, on every Riau Province anniversary, I plan to invite all sultanates and Malay kinship groups. Let us enliven the Malay community as a civilised and culturally distinctive family of nations, for our tagline is 'Riau, Home of the Malay Family — Preserving Heritage, Safeguarding Dignity,'" Wahid concluded.
Mahyudin Al Mudra said he established the Centre for the Study and Development of Malay Culture (BKPM) more than 20 years ago. The institution has published numerous books on Malay culture and collected manuscripts and artefacts of Malay civilisation, both from Indonesia and kindred nations.
"This institution has been standing for over 20 years, Governor. During that time, I have dedicated myself to developing Malay culture. We have published many books, collected items from my travels, and established partnerships with universities both domestically and abroad," Mahyudin explained.
According to Mahyudin, Malay culture must be transformed into living values. "Not only its philosophical values, but it must also have economic value, such as developing the tourism industry — destinations, carvings, culinary arts and so forth," he said.
Governor Abdul Wahid expressed admiration for the dedication and collection maintained by the Riau figure based in Yogyakarta. He said he drew inspiration to build a Malay civilisation museum that would be integrated with the Islamic Centre.
"I am truly impressed by Bang Mahyudin's dedication to preserving and nurturing Malay culture. I feel inspired after visiting here," Abdul Wahid said.
During the brief discussion, Abdul Wahid outlined his plans to build an Islamic Centre integrated with a Malay civilisation hub. "I plan to build an Islamic Centre integrated with a Malay cultural centre, including a museum. That is why we need concepts and input from various parties," he explained.
"A living, futuristic and comprehensive museum that can be appreciated not only for its teachings but also for its uniqueness and distinctiveness — becoming a global reference centre for Malay culture," Wahid added.
Abdul Wahid also revealed his plans to develop the tourism industry, including destinations, culinary offerings and other distinctive features for public enjoyment. "I agree with transforming culture in a contemporary context, so that our generation can study it, take pride in it, and also push it into industry so that it has economic value," he said.
Former Riau Governor Rusli Zainal was also present at the visit. He strongly supported efforts to develop Malay culture in a contemporary context. "During my era, there was already a regional regulation on the Riau 2020 vision, one of which was to make Riau Province the centre of the Malay economy and culture in Southeast Asia. What has been started must be continued and developed, including the establishment of a language tower, given that the Indonesian language originates from Malay," said the former governor, popularly known as RZ.
Governor Abdul Wahid also announced plans to hold a Malay kinship conference on each anniversary of Riau Province. "Going forward, on every Riau Province anniversary, I plan to invite all sultanates and Malay kinship groups. Let us enliven the Malay community as a civilised and culturally distinctive family of nations, for our tagline is 'Riau, Home of the Malay Family — Preserving Heritage, Safeguarding Dignity,'" Wahid concluded.