The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) today announced the withdrawal of the letter of support and action to blacklist Srikandi Wawasan Enterprise for three years following several serious violations of the letter of support conditions in the organisation of the Southeast Asia Arts and Culture Festival programme. The letter of support was issued to enable programme sponsors to receive tax deductions under paragraph 34(6)(k) of the Income Tax Act as an incentive for supporting the organisation of arts, culture or heritage programmes.
This decision was made after MOTAC conducted a detailed investigation into the incident that went viral on 24 October 2025 involving 61 school students from Malaysia who were stranded for three hours at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Jakarta, Indonesia under the management of the company in question.
Investigations found that the organisers had changed the original purpose of the programme as stated in the letter of support from a cultural performance to a tourist visit without informing MOTAC. They also failed to provide accommodation, transport, food and drinks and a clear itinerary, leaving participants stranded without proper assistance, forcing the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta to intervene. This action showed serious negligence on the part of the company and violated safety SOPs and guidelines for managing programmes abroad.
The organisers also issued misleading claims by stating that MOTAC dancers were involved in the programme when in fact they were independent dancers. This act created a misconception among participants and sponsors and contradicted the principles of integrity, transparency and trust in public administration.
Media coverage in Malaysia and Indonesia has indirectly linked MOTAC to the program. The organizers’ failure to protect the ministry’s reputation has undermined MOTAC’s credibility as a professional and responsible government institution.
MOTAC always welcomes the cooperation of companies and NGOs in strengthening the country’s arts, culture and heritage. However, the action of withdrawing the letter of support and blacklisting the company and its owner was taken in line with MOTAC’s commitment to ensuring integrity, transparency and accountability in all processes involving support and incentives under the ministry.
Accordingly, any party is prohibited from using or referring to the support letter for any business after the date of this statement. MOTAC will not be responsible for any implications arising from the use of the invalid document.
MOTAC is committed to monitoring and taking strict action against any party that violates the guidelines, conditions or procedures set by MOTAC so as not to affect the image and reputation of the ministry. The public is encouraged to check with MOTAC for such programs or events to avoid incidents like this from happening.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ARTS AND CULTURE (MOTAC)
09 December 2025
[ More Information ]
Issued by:
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ARTS AND CULTURE (MOTAC)
Tel: 03-8000 8000 Fax: 03-88917181
Website: www.motac.gov.my Email: group.ukk@motac.gov.my
Facebook, Instagram & X: @mymotac
