Weddings are a universal celebration of love, but every culture has its own unique way of marking this important milestone. In Pekanbaru, a city in East Sumatra with strong Malay cultural influences, I had the privilege of attending my co-teacher’s wedding. She is of Malaysian descent but Indonesian, and her wedding was a perfect example of how traditions can carry across borders and remain deeply meaningful. From the intricate clothing to the symbolic ceremonies, every part of the wedding reflected the rich heritage of the Malay people.
I learned about traditional Malay wedding customs, which are still practiced in Pekanbaru, a city in East Sumatra, Indonesia. Because of its proximity to Malaysia and historical ties to the ancient Malay kingdoms, Pekanbaru has strong Malay cultural influences. This is especially visible in its wedding traditions.
At my co-teacher’s wedding, I saw many unique customs that made the ceremony both beautiful and meaningful. The bride wore a stunning golden headpiece called a suntiang, which is traditionally worn in Malay and Minangkabau weddings, symbolizing beauty, elegance and tradition.
