Antara News·Indonesia·Monday, November 9, 2026 at 11:24 AM UTC

Pekanbaru founder, Marhum Pekan, set to receive national hero title

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Fauzul Azhim Bin Fakhrurazi

Pekanbaru, (ANTARA) - Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho of Riau Province said that the city's founder, Sultan Muhammad Ali Abdul Jalil Muazzam Syah, also known as Marhum Pekan, is among those set to receive the National Hero title in conjunction with Heroes' Day commemorations on Tuesday (November 10).

Agung said he would attend the conferment ceremony in person at the State Palace, accompanied by his wife and Marhum Pekan's descendants. He said the news had also been conveyed by Culture Minister Fadli Zon during a meeting with him.

“Thank God, the dream that the community has long fought for has finally come true. We are proud that the founder of Pekanbaru has received the honor of being named a National Hero. This happiness belongs to the people of Pekanbaru, the people of Siak, and all of Riau,” he said in Pekanbaru on Monday.

He said efforts to secure National Hero status for Marhum Pekan had been pursued since 1988. The initiative, which began decades ago, was continued by the Pekanbaru City Government under his leadership until it culminated in the good news about the planned conferment.

Marhum Pekan was the fifth Sultan of Siak Sri Indrapura and the son of Sultan Abdul Jalil Alamuddin Syah, also known as Marhum Bukit, the fourth Sultan of Siak. He continued developing the Senapelan area, an initiative pioneered by his father, until it grew into a trading center and became the forerunner of Pekanbaru.

In addition to being recognized as the founder of Pekanbaru, Marhum Pekan is remembered for his struggle against Dutch colonial forces on Guntung Island, in what is now Siak District. His development of the pekan, or traditional market, also laid the foundation for the growth of the city that is now the capital of Riau Province.

According to Agung, this history reflects the close ties between Pekanbaru and the Siak Sultanate. Therefore, honoring Marhum Pekan provides an opportunity to reintroduce Malay history and culture to younger generations.

“I love Pekanbaru, along with its Malay history and culture. Safeguarding the dignity of Malay culture is a responsibility I uphold in leading this city. Pekanbaru is our shared home, and the city's progress must go hand in hand with keeping Malay culture alive as part of its identity,” he said.

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