Fajar.co.id, Tinambung — A warm and solemn atmosphere colored the official meeting between Deriawan, a young choreographer and student of Makassar State University (UNM), with traditional elements of the Balanipa Mandar Kingdom at the Secretariat of the Institute of Traditional Meetings Balanipa Mandar, Tinambung, Thursday (11/20/2025).

This meeting was facilitated by Panguyuban Biya I Maconnecti Todilaling (Bimantara Balanipa Mandar) following the viral photo of dancers taken at YM’s tomb. I connected Todilaling, the first king of Balanipa Mandar.

Deriawan came with his parents, welcomed by Maradia Arajang Balanipa Towaine, Hj. Bau Mujibah Malik, as well as the traditional apparatus of Pepuangan Limboro, Pepuangan Napo, Annangguru Joaq as royal spokesperson, guardian of the tomb of Muhammad Adam and head of Napo Basri village.

Also present were officials from Bimantara Balanipa Mandar who oversaw the customs clarification and resolution process.

In his statement, Deriawan explained the initial timeline of the creation of the dance work he designed as his final university assignment. He stressed that his work was inspired by the rich culture of Mandar and did not intend to violate traditional values.

Deriawan admitted that there were errors while shooting in the sacred area of ​​the tomb, including small movements made right above YM’s tomb. I log in.

“I am truly sorry for this mistake and the impact it has had on society. I pledge not to repeat a similar mistake and not to use the backgrounds of grave dancers in any future work or activity,” Deriawan said.