Editor’s Note
- Controversy surrounding Tanjungpura carnival judging results: HAMBE seeks clarification from the jury
- Public input and aspirations
- Highlights of regional policy
- HAMBE calls for open clarification
- Call to maintain a favorable atmosphere
Controversy surrounding Tanjungpura carnival judging results: HAMBE seeks clarification from the jury
The Central Executive Board of the Association of United Malay Advocates (DPP HAMBE) has expressed concern regarding the controversy that arose following the judging results of the cultural carnival held to commemorate the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia in the Tanjungpura District, Langkat Regency.
Tanjungpura is an area with a long history as a center of Malay civilization and culture within the Langkat Regency.
Therefore, HAMBE emphasizes that all activities related to art, customs, and culture must be conducted objectively, transparently, and fairly, while respecting regional cultural identity.
Public input and expectations
HAMBE received various reactions and expectations from the public regarding the judging results of the cultural carnival. These reactions raised questions, particularly concerning the performance of the participants from MTsN (an Islamic junior high school) who had chosen the theme of Malay customs and culture.
According to information provided by MTsN through their team leader, Joko, there were several objections regarding the jury’s judging procedure, including:
1. The scoring system allegedly did not align with the outcomes of the previously agreed-upon technical meeting. 2. The carnival jury reportedly failed to attend the second technical meeting, leaving participants feeling disadvantaged, as there were indications that the jury was unaware of the discussion regarding the judging criteria.
3. The jury reportedly did not fully grasp the carnival’s judging criteria, particularly those concerning creativity, the number of props displayed, and the level of uniformity among participants.
4. Winners were not selected based on educational level (primary, junior high, and senior high school), even though the previous technical meeting had indicated that judging would take place by category.
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Regional policy highlights
Furthermore, HAMBE highlighted allegations that the jury had not adequately taken into account regional policies regarding cultural development.
“This concerns Regional Regulation No. 4 of 2024 of Langkat Regency and Regulation No. 34 of 2024 of Langkat Regency regarding the promotion of regional culture,” stated Ariffani, SH, MH, Chairman of the Central Executive Board of HAMBE (United Malay Advocates Association), in a press release received on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
According to HAMBE, the aim of these regulations is to promote the preservation, development, and strengthening of Malay cultural values as the cultural identity of Langkat Regency.
“We believe that Malay cultural values should be a key consideration when judging cultural carnivals in Langkat Regency—particularly in the Tanjungpura district, which is historically an integral part of Malay civilization,” said Arif, as he is commonly known. However, based on various feedback received, HAMBE suspects that this aspect was not a primary consideration in the jury’s assessment.
HAMBE requests a public explanation
Therefore, HAMBE calls upon the committee and the jury to provide an immediate public explanation regarding:
· The basis for determining the winner;
· The assessment criteria used;
· How the assessment system aligned with the outcomes of the technical meeting;
· The consideration of regional cultural values as stipulated in the regulations of the Langkat Regency.
HAMBE emphasizes that transparency is a crucial step in preventing speculation that could lead to public misunderstanding.
Call to maintain a positive situation
“If this matter is not clarified immediately, there is a fear that it will lead to greater disappointment and potentially spark public outrage,” stated HAMBE.
HAMBE therefore urges all parties to resolve this issue openly and sensibly, while maintaining a positive situation. ***REL
