(Photo: Special)
The INDONESIAN — Kings, Sultans, Datuks, Queens, and traditional leaders from across the Indonesian Archipelago expressed their highest appreciation for the successful convening of the Majelis Adat Indonesia (MAI) Grand Assembly and the Royal Blessing Night of His Majesty the Maharaja of Kutai Mulawarman, held at Empire Hotel, Surabaya, on October 22–23, 2025.
The event marked a historic milestone in the revival of royal cultural heritage across the archipelago and the formal entrustment of His Excellency M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso as the Secretary-General of the Majelis Adat Indonesia (MAI).
The sacred ceremony was presided over by His Majesty Prof. Dr. M.S.P.A. Iansyah Rechza F.W., Ph.D., the Sovereign Maharaja of Kutai Mulawarman and the Grand Monarch of the Royal Council of the Archipelago.
In an atmosphere filled with reverence, the assembly reaffirmed a shared commitment to preserve the dignity and honor of royal culture as a moral pillar of the nation.
“Culture is the soul of a nation. When it is preserved, the nation’s identity stands firm amidst the tides of time,” said HM Prof. Dr. M.S.P.A. Iansyah Rechza F.W., Ph.D., Maharaja of Kutai Mulawarman.
Appreciation from Archipelagic Traditional Leaders
One of MAI’s initiators and founding figures, Raja Bangun Nasution, a traditional leader from Mandailing, expressed his pride and deep appreciation for the success of the Surabaya gathering.
“I extend my highest appreciation for the success of this event. It is not merely ceremonial, but a starting point for the unification of Nusantara’s traditions into a noble institution — the Majelis Adat Indonesia.
The mandate entrusted to Datuk M. Rafik Datuak Rajo Kuaso as MAI Secretary-General is a wise decision, as he is a leader who has fought sincerely and consistently for both tradition and the nation,” said Raja Bangun Nasution.
Other traditional figures also shared their views.
HM Karaeng Polongbangkeng XIV of South Sulawesi described MAI as “the grand house of Nusantara’s traditions,” where all cultural entities meet in equality and mutual respect.
Meanwhile, Kanjeng Ratu Hj. Mari Eva, S.E., M.M. of the Kingdom of Kahuripan Jenggala, stated that the establishment of MAI is “a breath of fresh air for the younger generation to rediscover love for their cultural roots.”
“We, the Kings and Queens of the Archipelago, see MAI as a strategic platform to unite traditions without erasing the sovereignty of each cultural realm. This is the rebirth of a living civilization,” said Kanjeng Ratu Hj. Mari Eva, S.E., M.M.
The Royal Decree and National Legitimacy
During the assembly, the monarchs, sultans, datuks, queens, and traditional leaders signed the Royal Decree of the Archipelago No. 0455.2210.2025, granting consent for the establishment of the Majelis Adat Indonesia (MAI).
The decree contained five principal affirmations, including:
- Full support for MAI as an ethical and cultural institution of the nation.
- The assertion that tradition is a service, not a commodity.
- Strengthening moral and cultural commitment to preserve dignity and values.
A Joint Declaration of Support was also signed as a commitment to uphold traditional values and actively contribute to strengthening MAI at both national and regional levels.
“Praise be to God, the legal recognition of MAI will soon be realized through the prayers and support of Kings, Sultans, Datuks, and Queens from across the archipelago.
Insha Allah, MAI’s national leadership structure will soon be formed to ensure every cultural territory is equally and honorably represented,” concluded HE M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso, Secretary-General of MAI.
As the assembly concluded, HM the Maharaja of Kutai Mulawarman expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the unity and moral support shown by all traditional leaders.
“Thank you to all Kings, Sultans, Datuks, Queens, and traditional figures for your solidarity. May MAI stand as the fortress of culture and the moral foundation of our national unity,” said HM Prof. Dr. M.S.P.A. Iansyah Rechza F.W., Ph.D.
The Revival of Royal Cultural Dignity
The Grand Assembly of MAI has become a pivotal moment in the nation’s cultural renaissance. Traditional leaders believe MAI will serve as a great house for all traditions — an ethical and moral institution safeguarding the purity of Nusantara’s values amid global modernity.
“From Surabaya, the voice of tradition resounds once again across the archipelago. This marks the beginning of the revival of royal cultural dignity.”
From the Kingdom of Sangihe Tabukan, HE Datuk Karaeng Makaampo Thamrin Sandala, S.E., emphasized the urgency of establishing MAI as a national forum to unite, strengthen, and revive the cultural spirit of Nusantara.
“The Majelis Adat Indonesia must be realized. This is not an option but a necessity a mandate of the people and of our times. It concerns the very existence of kings, sultans, and the living traditions of the archipelago,” said HE Datuk Karaeng Makaampo Thamrin Sandala, S.E.
Traditional leaders across the archipelago unanimously agreed that the presence of MAI is essential as a unifying house for monarchs, sultans, datuks, queens, and traditional leaders and as a reminder for Indonesia never to lose its cultural identity.
“A great nation is one that never forgets where it came from.”
About the Majelis Adat Indonesia (MAI)
The Majelis Adat Indonesia (MAI) is a national traditional institution dedicated to preserving indigenous values, local wisdom, and the cultural heritage of the Indonesian nation.
MAI stands as an ethical and cultural entity that balances the nation’s moral compass, strengthens national identity, and advocates for the rights and recognition of indigenous communities within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
Statement from the MAI Secretary-General
HE M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the overwhelming support from traditional leaders across the archipelago.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have reached out and expressed their desire to join MAI.
Good intentions bring good outcomes sincerity brings sincerity. Insha Allah,” said HE M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso, Secretary-General of MAI.
Media Editorial Team: Representatives of PRIME NEWS POST Journalists/ Media Editor: Hary.S
