Photo credit: infopublik.id
Indonesia has just celebrated the Indonesian National Heroes Day on November 10th, and it was also commemorated in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, on the same day. A ceremonial tribute was held at the Indonesian National Hero Cemetery, honoring Tuanku Tambusai in Kampung Rasah, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, Hermono, led the ceremony, which included a flower scattering tribute. The solemn event began at 9 AM Malaysian time (or 8 AM Western Indonesia Time), participated by over 300 attendees, including representatives from the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the Consulate General of the Republic Indonesia, Negeri Sembilan officials, West Sumatra Regional Government, members of the Indonesian community, the family of Tuanku Tambusai, and the Riau Malay Customary Law.
According to ANTARA, Ambassador Hermono noted that this year’s commemoration was more attended than previous years, with significant representation from Malay figures, West Sumatra and Negeri Sembilan officials. The condition of the cemetery and its surroundings was notably improved by the support of the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs and the Negeri Sembilan Government.
Hermono hoped that Tuanku Tambusai’s Cemetery would one day become a religious pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from both Malaysia and Indonesia and benefiting the local community.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Consul General in Johor Bahru, Sigit S. Widiyanto, stated that this second Heroes Day ceremony at Tuanku Tambusai’s tomb was interesting, because it’s the only Indonesian hero’s tomb located outside the country. Sigit hoped that these activities can continue in the future, and further strengthen the people of the two nations. Tuanku Tambusai is recognized not only as a hero in fighting colonial forces during the Padri War in Indonesia but also as an Islamic missionary in Malaysia.