INFOBUDAYA.NET — The Tanjak is a traditional Malay headgear worn predominantly by men, but it is far more than a mere accessory. It is a cultural symbol steeped in meaning and philosophy. With its pointed, upward-facing shape, the Tanjak has long been associated with nobility, leadership, and ceremonial dignity, particularly within royal and aristocratic circles. Also known as a cloth crown, tengkolok, or ikat-ikat, the Tanjak was historically worn by royal figures and community leaders during the time of the Palembang Sultanate. Despite the Dutch colonial government’s abolition of its official use in 1823, the Tanjak has endured and continues to be worn today as a proud emblem of Malay identity and cultural resilience.

The word tanjak itself originates from the Malay Palembang term nanjak, meaning “to ascend” or “to rise to a higher place.” True to its name, the Tanjak is designed to rise dramatically upward, its triangular peak symbolizing the noble aspiration to elevate human dignity, virtue, and honor. It is not a garment that bows downward; rather, it stands tall, evoking the spirit of ambition, dignity, and cultural elevation. The Tanjak reflects a worldview rooted in the celebration of integrity and self-worth—values that define the soul of the Malay community.

Every aspect of the Tanjak carries cultural and philosophical weight. The fabric used, such as songket, batik, pardo, or angkinan, is carefully chosen to reflect status, tradition, and aesthetic harmony. Songket, for example, was once reserved exclusively for nobles and high-ranking officials, while batik tanjak could be worn by both aristocrats and the general public for various occasions. The Tanjak is formed from a square piece of fabric folded into a triangle and then shaped with precision—this meticulous folding process mirrors the cultural emphasis on order, discipline, and mastery.

One of the most meaningful elements of the Tanjak is its knot or simpul. This knot is more than a structural necessity—it is a powerful cultural symbol representing unity and familial bonds. In traditional Malay thought, the simpul can signify marriage and kinship, connecting individuals to a greater lineage and community. Specific knots, such as simpul ketupat palas, identify the wearer as originating from regions like Riau, Johor, Lingga, or Pahang, while the simpul ketupat Makassar denotes roots in Makassar. There are many other regional knot styles, including the simpul garam sebuku from Perak, each serving as a visual testament to one’s cultural heritage.

Above the knot sits the karangan or decorative crest, a signature feature of the Tanjak. There are at least 21 known styles of Malay Tanjak, including forms such as lang melayang (soaring eagle), dendam tak sudah (unending grudge), balung ayam (rooster’s crest), and cogan daun kopi (coffee leaf scepter), each with unique symbolism. Among the most iconic is the Tanjak Ikatan Laksamana—the admiral’s knot—representing valor, leadership, and loyalty. The Tanjak’s base, composed of three layers, is folded carefully to create a sturdy structure, often with one layer embracing the knot above the left ear. The upward-bending crest is folded and secured with symbolic precision, emphasizing the balance between tradition and progress.

Traditionally, the Tanjak was worn by royal family members or those close to the sultan. When worn by commoners, the crest and knot were positioned more modestly, indicating the social distinctions observed in Malay society. However, the values embodied by the Tanjak—respect, honor, and heritage—are universal and remain relevant across class lines.

Ultimately, the Tanjak is not merely a relic of the past, but a living expression of cultural philosophy. It teaches that culture is not only about aesthetics or artifacts, but about values that shape how people live, think, and relate to one another. In the richly diverse cultural landscape of Indonesia, the Tanjak stands as a vibrant reminder of how local traditions carry profound meaning. Its enduring presence in ceremonies and cultural events shows that heritage rooted in deep wisdom will not fade—it will continue to rise, just like the form of the Tanjak itself, pointing ever upward toward dignity and enlightenment.

Reference:

PDBI – Tanjak