Sutan Zainal Ascends the Throne, Luhak Rambah’s Dignity Preserved
ROKAN HULU-JAYA NEWS.CON – In a solemn atmosphere steeped in cultural significance, Rokan Hulu Regent Anton, S.T., M.M., along with Deputy Regent H. Syafaruddin Poti, S.H., M.H., attended the coronation of Dr. Tengku Afrizal Dachlan, M.M., as King of Luhak Rambah with the title **Sutan Zainal**. This sacred traditional event took place at Pasir Pengaraian City Park on Thursday (October 9, 2025).
This coronation marked a significant milestone for the Luhak Rambah indigenous community and affirmed their commitment to preserving Malay values amidst the tide of modernization. The ceremony was carried out according to traditional traditions and was attended by traditional leaders, regional officials, and members of the public from various walks of life.
Also present at the event were Rohul Police Chief, AKBP Emil Eka Putra, representatives from the Tourism Office, Zulfikal; Rambah Sub-district Head Zulfan Alwi, S.P.; Rambah Hilir Sub-district Head Mahadi, S.E.; and Kepenuhan Hulu Sub-district Head Juneidy, S.I.P., M.Si. Also in attendance were the Acting Chairman of the Rohul Malay Customary Council (MKA) of the Rohul Riau Malay Customary Institution (LAMR), Datuk Drs. H. Yusmar, M.Si.; the Chairman of the Daily Leadership Council (DPH) of the Rohul LAMR, Datuk Seri H. Zulyadaini (titled Datuk Saudagar Rajo); the Secretary of the Rohul LAMR Customary Council (DKA); Tengku Tezzy D. Dachlan, the Zuriyat Bangsawan of the Rambah Luhak; and Datuk Marjeni Yahya, the Head of the Seven Tribes (Tunun Tujuh), with the title Bendaro Kayo of the Rambah Luhak.
In his remarks, Dr. Tengku Afrizal Dachlan expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him. “This process has been quite lengthy and fraught with deliberation. Thank God, with the support of all parties, this coronation was carried out successfully. I will carry out this mandate with sincere intentions for the good of the community and the preservation of our cultural traditions,” he said, moved.
Regent Anton expressed his appreciation for the traditional event. He stated that the tradition of crowning a king is not merely symbolic, but also full of moral and cultural messages for the younger generation. “Rokan Hulu is known as the Land of a Thousand Suluks—a land that upholds traditional and religious values. Activities like this are not merely ceremonial, but a concrete manifestation of preserving our identity as a Malay people,” the Regent emphasized.
The event concluded with a joint prayer and a friendly gathering between the local government, the datuks, and the community. The atmosphere of familiarity and togetherness that was established marked the collective spirit to continue upholding the traditional dignity of the Luhak Rambah land. This hereditary tradition reaffirms that, amidst the progress of the times, customs and culture remain the pillars of life for the people of Rokan Hulu.***
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