West Java Rumoured to be Changing its Name to Tatar Sunda; Here's What the Provincial Government Says

The West Java Provincial Government has affirmed that Tatar Sunda Day is not an effort to change the name of West Java, as circulating on social media.

The celebration of Tatar Sunda Day itself consists of a series of cultural processions carrying the Binokasih crown to various regions.

Head of the Communication and Information Agency (Diskominfo) of West Java, Mas Adi Komar, said that the event, named Milangkala (anniversary) of Tatar Sunda, is purely intended to promote the history, culture, and identity of the Sundanese people that has developed since the time of the Sunda kingdom.

Adi ensured that the name of West Java Province remains valid and unchanged, as it is regulated in law, and the term ‘Tatar Sunda’ used in the event focuses more on the historical and cultural aspects of the Sundanese people, not administrative matters.

“There is nothing leading to that. I think as long as the name of West Java Province still exists in the law. For now, we are focusing on the cultural and territorial historical elements in this Milangkala Tatar Sunda event, about the Sunda kingdom and so on. So, it has no relation to the administrative region,” said Adi in Bandung, Sunday (17/5).

According to Adi, Tatar Sunda Day and Milangkala were created to revive awareness of the history and cultural heritage of the Sundanese people that has grown in the West Java region for hundreds of years.

Adi stated that the establishment of Tatar Sunda Day and Milangkala had gone through academic historical studies before being finally established through a governor’s decree.

“Initially, there was an academic study by academics. This Milangkala Tatar Sunda is intended to promote the history of the Sundanese people, and it has been established through a Governor’s Decree as well, for its determination on May 18,” he said.

Meanwhile, Adi said that the commemoration of the Anniversary of West Java Province will continue as usual every August 19th according to existing regulations and laws.

“There are still provisions governing it. So, it can still be said that on August 19, we may wait for further studies for next year,” he added.

(antara/gil)