West Java Council Approves Proposal to Rename Province 'Tatar Sunda'

A significant step has been taken toward potentially renaming Indonesia's West Java Province to Tatar Sunda, following approval from all factions within the West Java Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD). This decision moves the long-standing proposal into the next legislative phase.

The impetus behind the push for a name change, according to DPRD Commission I Chairman Rahmat Hidayat Djati, is the urgent need to preserve the Sundanese cultural identity, which is seen as increasingly endangered. "The urgency is because the identity of the Sundanese people is threatened with extinction," Djati stated.

He clarified that the council's acceptance of the proposal does not equate to immediate approval of the name change. Instead, it opens the door for a formal legislative review, including the development of academic papers and comprehensive studies. Djati noted that the idea of renaming the province is not new, with discussions dating back to the early days of Indonesian independence, suggesting it represents a majority sentiment among those knowledgeable about the region's history.

While acknowledging that a name change would incur costs, Djati assured that any financial implications would be carefully calculated and funded through the regional budget if the proposal eventually receives approval. The commission has already held meetings with proponents of the name change, solidifying the move towards official legislative consideration.