BATAMCLICK.COM: The ceiling of the Lembaga Adat Melayu (Malay Customary Institution) Hall in Batam Center shimmered with majestic drapes of yellow, red, and gold. These were more than just decorations—they symbolized the pride, dignity, and enduring presence of Malay culture in the modern city of Batam.
On Sunday morning (June 15, 2025), the hall bore witness to a sacred moment: the bestowal of traditional titles and honorary cultural recognition for Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad and Deputy Mayor Li Claudia Chandra.
The ceremony began around 10:15 AM, marked by an elegant welcoming dance, followed by a series of traditional Malay rituals including the donning of the tanjak (Malay headdress), the tepuk tepung tawar blessing ritual, and collective prayers.
Amid applause and traditional music, Amsakar Achmad was conferred the honorary title of Datuk Setia Amanah, while Li Claudia Chandra received the title of Datuk Setia Bijaksana—titles that embody the values of trust and wisdom in their leadership roles.
Raja Muhammad Amin, Chairman of the Malay Customary Institution (LAM) of Batam City, stated that these titles are a recognition of the leaders’ dedication, responsibility, and sincerity in preserving the city’s Malay identity.
“This is more than just an honor—it’s a mandate,” said Raja. “Our leaders are expected to uphold the dignity and heritage of Malay culture, even as the city continues to develop.”
Guests in attendance wore elegant traditional garments such as baju kurung and teluk belanga, adding to the event’s sense of reverence and unity. The atmosphere was both solemn and warm, a celebration of harmony between government and cultural tradition.
Several rounds of tepuk tepung tawar—a customary gesture of blessing and well-wishes—were performed, as melodic strains of traditional Malay music accompanied the proceedings from start to finish.
That day, it wasn’t just the city’s leaders who were honored; it was a reminder to all that culture and identity form the true foundation of a progressive society.
