West Java DPRD Clarifies Province Name Change Is Only Aspiration Gathering

Chairman of the West Java DPRD, Buky Wibawa, has stressed that the council has never approved a proposal to change the name of West Java Province to Tatar Sunda. According to him, the council’s actions are currently limited to carrying out its institutional function by receiving and discussing aspirations conveyed by the community. The perception that the DPRD has agreed to the provincial name change is, he stated, an inaccurate understanding. The hearing conducted by Commission I of the West Java DPRD with the initiators of the name change is part of the aspiration absorption mechanism, which is a legislative duty. “What we agreed to was discussing the aspirations conveyed by the community. That does not mean the DPRD has approved the name change. The process is still long and requires many stages,” Buky said on Monday (6/7/2026). He explained that every proposal submitted by the community has the right to be received and reviewed. However, before entering into further discussion, various aspects must be considered, especially from a sociological perspective. According to Buky, West Java is a province with diverse ethnicities, cultures, and community characteristics. Therefore, any discourse concerning regional identity must be ensured to be accepted by all levels of society without causing division. He cited the example that communities in the Cirebon area and the buffer zones of Jakarta have different cultural backgrounds. Consequently, comprehensive dialogue and studies are needed to avoid misunderstandings or regional ego that could potentially trigger demands for regional expansion. “This sociological issue is actually the biggest challenge. We must not let the name change cause polarisation or create a desire for certain regions to separate,” he said. Buky appreciated the intentions of the cultural figures and community leaders who proposed the name change as an effort to preserve Sundanese cultural identity. However, he stressed that the discourse has no connection with the ceremonial activities of the West Java Provincial Government, including the recent Tatar Sunda anniversary celebration. Amid the developing discourse, Buky reminded the regional government and the DPRD to prioritise resolving issues that directly affect the community. According to him, improving the quality of education, reforming the new student admissions system (PPDB), strengthening public services, and poverty alleviation efforts must remain the main focus. Furthermore, regarding aspirations for the formation of new autonomous regions, Buky stated that the DPRD understands the central government’s policy of still enforcing a moratorium. The establishment of new regions requires significant fiscal support, making it currently unfeasible.