Abdul Momin Othman

Pengiran Abdul Momin (9 March 1923 – 9 March 2006) was a nobleman, diplomat and politician in the Government of Brunei whole formerly took office as the Ambassador of Brunei to Indonesia from 1993 to 2001. Additionally, he was a member of the Privy Council, Legislative Council, Islamic Legislative Council and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation from 1992 to 2004.

Education
On 9 March 1923, Pengiran Abdul Momin was born in Kampong Bakut Cina in Kampong Ayer. As a student teacher in 1939, he began his professional life. Before enrolling in a teaching program at Sultan Idris Training College (SITC) in Tanjong Malim, Perak from 1941 to 1948, he was assigned as a trainee teacher at Pekan Brunei Malay School from 1934 to 1939.

Pengiran Abdul Momin enrolled as a student at the SITC in 1941, but was forced to leave to his country with the outbreak of the Second World War. He returned to the SITC in 1946-1948 with the beginning of peacekeeping duties at the Malay School in Brunei's capital. In 1952, he was appointed Assistant Head Teacher, Grade II; in 1959, he was promoted to Head Teacher. He was renowned for being one of the thinkers who recommended that Islamic religious instruction be provided in Malay and English schools throughout the Sultanate prior to the establishment of Islamic religious schools on a systematic basis in 1956.

Career
Pengiran Abdul Momin was chosen to serve on the Legislative Council, Privy Council, Islamic Legislative Council, Legal Committee, Haj Advisory, Adat-Istiadat, and Scholarship Committees. In these capacities, he had a direct hand in choosing students for Aljuneid Arabic School and deciding who would enroll in Government English School. Additionally, before being named private secretary to Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III in 1961 and then Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in 1968. During the 1962 haj, he was a member of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III's entourage. Later on he became the ambassador to Indonesia from 1993 to 2001. In conjunction to Prince Mohamed Bolkiah's wedding in 1976, a two-foot long golden dagger was presented by him at Istana Darul Hana.

Pengiran Abdul Momin was recalled to office as a long-serving Ambassador to Indonesia. During that period, he signed the agreement establishing diplomatic relations between Brunei and North Korea in Jakarta on 7 January 1999. Between 6 September 2004 to 31 August 2005, he was a nominated member of the revived Legislative Council.

Pengiran Abdul Momin saw that many young individuals were loitering at the stores near Setia Kenangan Complex. When he inquired why they weren't in school, they responded with information about the quota, opportunities, and grades at government schools. He transformed the center of his building into an educational facility to assist and provide young people with the chance they needed. As a result, on 9 January 2002, he established and registered Kolej IGS.

Death
On 10 March 2006, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah attended a prayer at his home in Kampong Sungai Akar, an official who had died the previous day on 9 March at the age of 83. Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, Prince Abdul Malik, and Princess Masna were also in attendance.

Personal life
Pengiran Abdul Momin was married to Datin Hajah Masurai binti Mohammad, with 17 children; 9 boys and 8 girls.

Legacy
Pengiran Abdul Momin was bestowed the title of Yang Amat Mulia (The Most Noble) Pengiran Setia Jaya at the Lapau on 14 March 1969, marking him as a member of Cheteria.

Namesakes

 * Pengiran Setia Jaya Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin Primary School, a school in Kuala Belait.

Awards
He has earned the following awards:
 * Anugerah Guru Berbakti (1995)
 * Tokoh Maal Hijrah (2001)
 * Tokoh Guru Suluh Budiman (2003)

Honours
He has earned the following honours:

National

 * BRU_Family_Order_of_Brunei_1st_Class.svg Family Order of Laila Utama (DK; 1972) – Dato Laila Utama
 * BRU_Family_Order_of_Brunei_2nd_Class.svg Family Order of Seri Utama (DK; 1970) – Dato Seri Utama
 * BRU_Order_of_Loyalty_to_the_State_of_Brunei.svg Order of Setia Negara Brunei Second Class (DSNB; 1968) – Dato Setia
 * BRU_Order_of_Merit_of_Brunei.svg Order of Paduka Seri Laila Jasa Third Class (SLJ; 23 September 1967)  
 * Omar_Ali_Saifuddin_Medal.jpg Omar Ali Saifuddin Medal (POAS)
 * Sultan_Hassanal_Bolkiah_Medal.gif Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal First Class (PHBS; 12 February 1969)
 * Pingat_Pertalaban_Haji_Hassanal_Bolkiah.gif Coronation Medal First Class (1969)
 * Pingat_Jasa_Kiebaktian_(PJK).gif Meritorious Service Medal (PJK)
 * Long_Service_Medal_(PKL).jpg Long Service Medal (PKL; 1960)

Foreign

 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom:
 * UK_Royal_Victorian_Order_honorary_member_ribbon.svg Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) – (1972)