West Java DPRD Clarifies Province Name Change Is Only Aspiration Gathering
The Chairman of the West Java Regional Council (DPRD), Buky Wibawa, has emphasised that the West Java DPRD has never approved the proposal to change the name of West Java Province to the Province of Tatar Sunda.
According to him, what the DPRD is currently doing is merely performing its institutional function by receiving and discussing aspirations submitted by the community. He noted that the perception that the DPRD has agreed to the provincial name change is a misunderstanding. The audience held by Commission I of the West Java DPRD with the proponents of the name change is part of the mechanism for absorbing aspirations, which is a duty of the legislature.
“What we have agreed to is discussing the aspirations submitted by the community. That does not mean the DPRD has already approved the change of the province’s name. The process is still long and requires many stages,” said Buky on Monday (6/7/2026).
He explained that every proposal submitted by the public has the right to be received and studied. However, before moving into further discussions, various aspects must be considered, particularly from a sociological perspective.
According to Buky, West Java is a province with diverse ethnicities, cultures, and community characters. Therefore, any discourse concerning regional identity must be ensured to be accepted by all layers of society without causing division.
He cited that communities in the Cirebon region as well as the buffer zones of Jakarta have different cultural backgrounds. Consequently, comprehensive dialogue and studies are required to prevent misunderstand as well as regional egos that could potentially trigger demands for regional expansion (pemekaran).
“This sociological issue is actually the greatest challenge. We must ensure that a name change does not lead to polarisation or trigger the desire for certain regions to secede,” he said.
Buky appreciated the intentions of the cultural experts and community leaders who proposed the name change as an effort to preserve Sundanese cultural identity. However, he emphasised that this discourse has no connection to the ceremonial activities of the West Java Provincial Government, including the recent celebration of Milangkala Tatar Sunda.
Amidst the growing discourse, Buky reminded the local government and the DPRD that they must continue to prioritise resolving issues directly felt by the community. According to him, improving the quality of education, reforming the New Student Admission (PPDB) system, strengthening public services, and efforts to alleviate poverty must remain the primary focus.
Furthermore, regarding aspirations for the formation of new autonomous regions (DOB), Buky stated that the DPRD understands the central government’s policy, which still maintains a moratorium. The formation of new regions requires significant fiscal support, making it unfeasible under current conditions.