Editor’s Note
- Sugeng Hariadi Awarded the Title of Datok Adipati Utamo Sitimang Jayo
- Titles of the Jambi LAM as Defined in the Articles of Association
- Datuk Adipati Utamo Sitimang Jayo: A Highly Honored Title
- Encouraging the Strengthening of Jambi Customary Law (Living Law)
Sugeng Hariadi Awarded the Title of Datok Adipati Utamo Sitimang Jayo
The Malaysian Customary Institution in Jambi Province conferred various honorary Malaysian titles on various figures, including the head of the Jambi High Prosecution Service, Sugeng Hariadi, SH. MH.
The sacred ceremony of conferring the customary title took place solemnly at the Balairungsari LAM Jambi, Jambi City, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Sugeng Hariadi was awarded the title of Datok Adipati Utamo Sitimang Jayo. This honorary title is awarded to individuals deemed to have made a significant contribution to humanitarian leadership, civilization, culture, and mutual cooperation within the community, particularly within the Malay community of Jambi Province.
Titles of LAM Jambi as stipulated in the Articles of Association (AD/ART)
The general chairman of the LAM Jambi Executive Board (DPH), Datuk Hasan Basri Agus (HBA), stated that awarding this title has become a human tradition, not only in Malay areas. Various sources, both oral and written, indicate that Malays, as a nation and ethnic group, also place great value on titles.
“We note that different clans in Jambi confer different types of titles, including traditional honorifics. The title of LAM Jambi, as stipulated in the LAMR statutes, which has been conferred on Tuan Sugeng Hariadi, S.H., M.H., is a traditional honorific that accompanies him for life, but is not hereditary,” said Datok Hasan Basri Agus.
He added that the title conferred on him, Datuk Adipati Utamo Sitimang Jayo, represents the highest traditional leader who possesses customary, legal, and political legitimacy, upholds justice and wisdom in his leadership, and brings glory and prosperity to the people of Jambi province.
“A collection of words that not only recognizes one’s achievements but also expresses a hope, interwoven with a prayer, that these achievements will at least be maintained and even surpassed,” he said.
Datuk Adipati Utamo Sitimang Jayo: A Most Honorable Title
Jambi’s Chief Public Prosecutor, Sugeng Hariadi, expressed his pride and emotion at the awarding of the honorary title by the Jambi Malay Traditional Institution (LAM). “Datuk Adipati Utamo Sitimang Jayo is a most honorable title for me and my family,” said Sugeng Hariadi.
He acknowledged that this activity is seen as a reflection of the local wisdom of the Malay community in Jambi, which upholds the customs, norms, and noble values of the inherited Malay cultural heritage. This undoubtedly contributes positively to the development and order of society, the country, and the state.
“And I believe that Malay cultural wisdom has had a profound influence on my career and has served as a guiding principle wherever I have served. This also aligns with the duties and functions of the Public Prosecution Service in law enforcement, which not only pursues justice and legal certainty, but equally importantly, benefits the community,” he added.
Encouraging the strengthening of customary law in Jambi (Living Justice)
Sugeng Hariadi hopes this award will motivate him to continue his commitment to the community, the country, and the state, especially in view of the entry into force of the new Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure (KUHAP) on January 2, 2026, in Jambi province.
He also advocated for the strengthening of Jambi customary law (Living Justice), the introduction of restorative justice, and social services as an alternative solution to criminal cases.
Governor Al Haris of Jambi declared that the granting of the Adat title to Tuan Sugeng Hariadi by the Jambi Malay Customary Law Institution was a fitting recognition. The title Datuk Adipati Utamo Sitimang Jayo signifies a leader who uses his power or authority wisely to uphold the dignity of his people. This is indeed a fitting title for Tuan Sugeng Hariadi, SH., MH. ***adh
