The delegation of the Indonesian Customary Council (MAI) documented a significant moment during its first overseas mission to Malaysia. The visit underscores MAI’s role in Nusantara’s cultural, ethical, and civilizational diplomacy on the international stage. MAI Secretary-General M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso received the Darjah Kerabat Undang Naning as recognition for his contributions to preserving customary values. (photo: courtesy)
MALAYSIA – The Indonesian Customary Council (Majelis Adat Indonesia, MAI) marked a historic milestone with its first overseas mission to Malaysia. The visit served as a strategic opportunity to strengthen ties in customary, cultural, and civilizational aspects of the shared Nusantara–Malay heritage, while earning international recognition for Indonesian customary leaders.
Led directly by His Royal Highness Prof. Dr. M.S.P.A. Iansyah Rechza F.W., Ph.D., the Maharaja of Kutai Mulawarman and Paramount Ruler of the Nusantara as well as MAI’s Founding Board Chair, the trip also included the launch and inauguration of Malaysia’s first branded bag store – a world-first in its concept and execution.
“This agenda reflects the synergy between Nusantara’s customary, cultural, and creative economy sectors, which are capable of reaching the global stage,” stated the Maharaja of Kutai Mulawarman.
MAI Secretary-General M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso – who also holds the customary title Datuak Rajo Kuaso Cumati Koto Piliang Langgam of the Seven Kingdoms of Pagaruyung – expressed gratitude for the successful historic visit. “Praise be to God, this is MAI’s first overseas mission. Our presence in Malaysia is not merely ceremonial, but part of efforts to strengthen bonds of customary brotherhood, culture, and Nusantara’s civilizational values,” he said during the event.
The highlight of the visit was the conferment of the Darjah Kerabat Undang Naning (Undang Naning Royal Kinship Decoration) on M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso by His Excellency Dato’ Undang of Naning, the 22nd of Melaka. The award recognizes his dedication, service, and active role in preserving and strengthening Pepatih customary values and shared brotherhood.
The conferment was held in accordance with the Melaka State Constitution on 7 Rajab 1447 Hijriah (28 December 2025) in Naning, Melaka. The award is not only a personal honor but also international recognition of MAI’s role as a national customary institution actively engaged in cultural, ethical, and Nusantara civilizational diplomacy.
MAI reaffirmed its commitment to continuing international cooperation, strengthening global customary networks, and promoting the noble values of local wisdom as the moral and cultural pillars of the nation on the global stage.
Source: Compiled from various sources
Media Center: Majelis Adat Indonesia (MAI)
Editor: Prime News Post – Executive Editorial Team
