West Java Legislator: Cultural Advancement Regional Regulation Enters Finalisation Stage
Cirebon (ANTARA) - Member of Commission V of the West Java Provincial DPRD, George Edwin Sugiharto, stated that the Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) on the Advancement of Culture in West Java, which has been prepared at the local legislative level since 2025, is now entering the finalisation stage.
He said that the discussion process for the draft regulation is currently underway through a special committee (pansus) formed by the DPRD together with the West Java Provincial Government (Pemprov).
“The cultural advancement draft regulation is in process; the special committee is already running. I think it’s just a matter of finalising the draft regulation text,” George said when confirmed in Cirebon, West Java, on Saturday.
According to him, the preparation of this draft regulation is a form of the West Java Provincial Government’s seriousness in safeguarding and preserving the roots of local culture.
He assessed that the regulation will strengthen efforts to preserve culture, which already has a legal basis but still needs to be sharpened.
“Actually, the regulations already exist, but this sharpens them again for us to preserve culture,” he said.
George emphasised that culture plays an important role as the identity or character of the nation, which must be maintained sustainably.
He also highlighted Cirebon’s position as one of the regions that has a long historical value and significant contributions to culture in West Java.
Cirebon’s cultural richness, he said, is not only a local identity but also part of the national identity.
“Cirebon is not just the identity of Cirebon and West Java, but this is the identity of the nation, because Cirebon is ancient history,” he said.
With the existence of this draft regulation, he hopes that the preservation of culture in West Java, including in Cirebon, can be carried out in a more directed and sustainable manner.
He added that this strengthening of regulations is expected to encourage various parties to actively participate in safeguarding cultural heritage.
Previously, West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan stated that cultural diversity is a strategic strength in maintaining regional identity while supporting the national civilisation.
Regarding the substance of the draft regulation, the West Java Provincial Government assessed that its direction is appropriate because it provides space for cultural actors to express themselves and maintain cultural values.
“All aspects of culture must be protected by the state as broadly as possible, not just those considered superior,” said Erwan.