A JOURNEY BEYOND BORDERS
DMDI
NURTURING THE MALAY SPIRIT,
THE SOUL OF ISLAM
Datuk Rusli Zainal,
Vice President of Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI).
There is a spirit that never fades within a leader who understands the roots of his culture. Rusli Zainal, Vice President of Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI), reflects on the long journey of the organization with a calm heart and a clear gaze. For him, the Malay world is not merely a heritage—it is a living pulse that continues to beat within every soul.
“The spirit of building the Malay and Islamic world,” he says gently, “is something far greater than programs or activities.” It is a collective soul, a legacy that transcends geography and time, uniting kindred nations beneath a single banner: faith and culture.
Datuk Rusli recalls the early days of his meeting with Mohd Ali Rustam, President of DMDI—whom he regards not merely as a friend, but as a leader possessing extraordinary dedication to advancing Malay-Islamic civilization.
“I saw his spirit not only in rhetoric,” he remarks, “but in real action—in the way he brings together Malays from many nations under a shared aspiration.” So said the former Governor of Riau.
From that friendship grew a shared vision—that the Malay world must rise not merely as a cultural identity, but as a moral and economic force that benefits the wider community.
“Melayu is not about ethnicity,” Datuk Rusli explains. “It is about culture, values, and the way we live and respect one another.” For him, anyone who lives with civility, gentleness, and solidarity embodies the true spirit of Melayu.
Islam and Melayu, he adds, are two sides of the same civilizational coin. “For us, Islam is Malay, and Malay is Islam. They cannot be separated.” In his view, history proves that Malay civilization flourished under the light of Islam—from Malacca to Riau, from Pattani to Mindanao.
Datuk Rusli then spoke of Tun Ali—whom he described as the “highest tower” guiding the direction of DMDI. “I offer my deepest appreciation to TYT Tun Seri,” he said respectfully. “He is not merely the president of an organization, but the guardian of a living flame—one who preserves the Malay spirit and the soul of Islam.”
He also expressed admiration for Said Aldi Al Idrus, Chairman of DMDI Indonesia, whom he regards as a visionary leader with great determination. “I believe our chairman is the right choice,” he said confidently. “Under his leadership, the resonance and vitality of DMDI are increasingly felt across the archipelago.”
The spirit of this movement can be seen in the participation of regional leaders. Governors, mayors, regents, and parliamentary figures have increasingly taken part in DMDI’s initiatives. “This is no coincidence,” he said, “but the result of hard work built upon sincere intentions and shared vision.”
For Datuk Rusli, the involvement of these strategic figures demonstrates that DMDI has reached an important position—not only culturally, but also politically and socially.
“DMDI is now recognized,” he noted. “It is not merely a symbol, but a real force that unites the community.” All of this, he emphasized, did not arise by chance. It was born from dedication, persistence, and programs that genuinely address the needs of society. “We are building not just for today,” he said softly, “but for the future.”
Datuk Rusli then reflected on his time as Governor of Riau. During that period, the movement to strengthen Malay culture took deep root in the province. “We made Riau a center of Malay and Islamic culture,” he said proudly.
For him, the programs implemented then were not merely events, but cultural movements.“We sought to instill pride in the younger generation—that being Malay is a source of honor, not merely nostalgia.”
Now, years later, he sees DMDI continuing that legacy on a broader scale. “I see DMDI becoming more mature,” he said, “better understanding the direction of the times while never abandoning its cultural roots.”
He also mentioned the “five great umbrellas” of DMDI—an organizational framework that shelters various activities and members around the world. “This is our umbrella of unity,” he said, “protecting all member nations under one shared spirit: Malay-Islamic brotherhood.”
From beneath this umbrella also emerged Saudagar DMDI, a network of Malay-Muslim entrepreneurs serving as an economic backbone for the community. “From here,” he explained, “we can build economic connectivity with industrial and commercial centers across the Malay world.”
According to him, DMDI functions as a bridge—a golden link connecting entrepreneurs, bureaucrats, and communities. “We can support all of this,” he said, “through mediation, networking, and synergy with policymakers at various levels of government.”
He gave examples of how DMDI’s relationships with ministries, institutions, national entrepreneurs, and prominent figures—such as Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, Chairman of Indonesia’s Regional Representative Council—can strengthen the economic position of the Malay-Islamic world. “With the support of the government, the president, and the legislature,” he said, “we can grow this movement into something truly influential.”
Recalling the past, he smiled slightly. “Back in Riau, we shared the same vision as DMDI,” he said. “We made Riau a center of Malay culture and regional economic development.” For him, this historical continuity is no coincidence—it is a destiny that continues to unfold.
With advances in technology and communication, Datuk Rusli sees new opportunities for DMDI to strengthen its global network. “We must adapt,” he said, “while remaining grounded in our values. The world may change, but the spirit of Melayu must never disappear.”
When asked about the most profound impression from DMDI’s journey, he paused briefly before answering softly: “Consistency.” For Datuk Rusli, consistency is the key—keeping the flame alive so that it is never extinguished by time.
“Every time I attend a DMDI event,” he said, “I see that spirit never fading. In fact, it grows stronger—from cultural programs to social initiatives, from da’wah to economic development.”
He mentioned one particularly meaningful social initiative—the donation of community service vehicles to hundreds of mosques across Indonesia. “That is not a small matter,” he said. “It is a symbol that DMDI truly serves the people.”
Beyond social programs, he also observes remarkable growth in the economic sphere—especially under the leadership of Tun Ali in Malacca. “Now we have Saudagar Melayu DMDI and many other sectors beginning to grow,” he said proudly.
A Teacher of Life Who Nurtures Civilization
On another note, Rusli Zainal also conveyed that amid the pulse of Riau’s history—rich with the values of Malay civilization and breathing with the spirit of Islam—there has grown a movement born from social concern and conscience: Pusat Data dan Informasi Perempuan Riau (Pusdatin Puanri).Datuk Rusli describes this organization as a noble endeavor that does not merely stand in the name of women, but serves as a house of knowledge, a space of civilization, and a platform for strengthening the role of women in nation-building. Led by Septina Primawati Rusli, who was appointed as Chairperson for the 2024–2029 period, Pusdatin Puanri carries a steadfast mission: to gather data, build awareness, and strengthen commitment toward empowering the women of Riau—so they will not merely become objects of history, but authors of civilization.
“This is not merely an organization,” Datuk Rusli said, “but a force that strengthens the identity of Malay-Islamic women.” For him, the presence of Pusdatin Puanri will open wide avenues of collaboration, including with Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI). This synergy, he believes, can give rise to empowerment programs that are more systematic, reaching regional and even international levels, so that Malay women are not only guardians of family honor, but also drivers of the economy, educators of future generations, and dignified agents of social change.
One of Pusdatin Puanri’s important initiatives is the publication of a documentation book on the women of Riau—an academic and cultural effort that records the journeys, roles, and contributions of women within society. For Datuk Rusli, this initiative is not merely a literary record but an intellectual monument that will serve as a reference across generations.
“Women must not disappear from the pages of history,” he said. “They are not only mothers who give birth to generations, but teachers of life who nurture civilization.”
For more than two decades, Pusdatin Puanri has remained actively engaged in empowerment initiatives. The organization has established close cooperation with the Kementerian Pemberdayaan Perempuan dan Perlindungan Anak Republik Indonesia, providing data and analysis that serve as an important foundation in shaping government policy.
“Data is power,” said Datuk Rusli, “and through data, policy directions can be determined more fairly and accurately.” Thus, it is clear that Pusdatin Puanri does not merely record the realities of women in Riau—it also helps guide their future.
For Datuk Rusli, this stands as proof that Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI) is not merely an organization but a civilizational movement. It mobilizes culture, revitalizes the economy, and ignites the spirit of humanity.
“DMDI has now become a symbol of the resurgence of the Malay world,” he affirmed firmly.
Closing the conversation, he delivered a message that seemed to resonate deeply with every listener: “As long as we remain under the same umbrella—the umbrella of Malay and Islam—so long will this civilization continue to live. From Malacca to Jakarta, from Brunei to Riau, from Pattani to Mindanao—our soul is one, our blood is one, and our future is one: to build the Malay and Islamic world.”