Politics · Indonesia · 1 day ago
Pekanbaru's Founder to Receive Indonesia's National Hero Title
Marhum Pekan is set to receive Indonesia's National Hero title in Jakarta on 10 November 2026.
He was Sultan Muhammad Ali Abdul Jalil Muazzam Syah, the fifth Sultan of Siak and the founder of Pekanbaru, in Riau province.
He developed Senapelan into a trading centre, building on work begun by his father; the area later became the start of Pekanbaru.
He is also remembered for fighting the Dutch at Pulau Guntung.
The honour recognises his role in Pekanbaru's history and is expected to draw attention to the city's Malay heritage.
The ceremony is scheduled for National Heroes Day, with Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho expected to attend at the State Palace.
The city has also received approval to name an urban toll gate and Jalan Palas after him, with both names still awaiting formal inauguration.
Sultan Muhammad Ali Abdul Jalil Muazzam Syah, known as Marhum Pekan, is set to receive Indonesia’s National Hero title.
The award ceremony is scheduled for 10 November 2026 at the State Palace in Jakarta, on National Heroes Day.
Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho is expected to attend with city official Sulastri Agung and Marhum Pekan’s heirs.
The campaign to recognize Marhum Pekan as a National Hero has been pursued since 1988.
Marhum Pekan was the fifth Sultan of Siak and developed Senapelan, which became the early trading centre and starting point of Pekanbaru.
- Who
- Sultan Muhammad Ali Abdul Jalil Muazzam Syah, known as Marhum Pekan, is set to receive the title.
- What
- He is to be awarded Indonesia’s National Hero title.
- When
- 10 November 2026, coinciding with National Heroes Day.
- Where
- The State Palace in Jakarta.
- Why
- The sources say the honour recognizes his role as Pekanbaru’s founder and his historical contributions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The aspiration to make Marhum Pekan a National Hero was raised.
Reports said the award was planned for 10 November and that Culture Minister Fadli Zon had informed Agung Nugroho.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Jakarta on National Heroes Day.
- Full name
- Sultan Muhammad Ali Abdul Jalil Muazzam Syah
- Also known as
- Marhum Pekan
- Ceremony date
- 10 November 2026
- Ceremony location
- State Palace, Jakarta
- Historical role
- Fifth Sultan of Siak and founder of Pekanbaru
2 sources
What people are saying
Alhamdulillah, mimpi yang telah lama diperjuangkan masyarakat akhirnya terwujud. Kita bangga pendiri Pekanbaru mendapat penghormatan sebagai Pahlawan Nasional. Kebahagiaan ini milik masyarakat Pekanbaru, masyarakat Siak, dan seluruh Riau.