West Java Name Change to Sunda Province Raises Concerns Over Cultural Friction

A proposal to rename Indonesia's West Java Province to "Sunda Province" has sparked concerns among lawmakers about potential cultural friction and the risk of further regional fragmentation. Dede Yusuf, Deputy Chairman of Commission II of the DPR (House of Representatives), urged for careful deliberation on the name change, emphasizing the province's diverse cultural landscape.

Yusuf pointed to West Java's history of regional splits, including the establishment of Banten Province and past movements for new provinces like Cirebon and Bogor Raya. He cautioned that naming the province solely after one cultural identity could alienate other groups and lead to future conflicts. "It is very difficult to reunite once divided, one of the reasons being giving space to other cultures," he stated.

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So, if we only talk about one name, a name that is contextual to culture, perhaps this will later cause friction. So, in our opinion, it is not yet necessary at this time to create a new provincial name.

The deputy chairman suggested that focusing on a single cultural name might create issues down the line. "So, if we only talk about one name, a name that is contextual to culture, perhaps this will later cause friction. So, in our opinion, it is not yet necessary at this time to create a new provincial name," he said.

Yusuf also questioned the precedent such a change could set for other provinces, humorously suggesting "what if Central Java becomes Solo Province?" He concluded that for now, existing names should remain, though he acknowledged that such decisions ultimately rest with the regions. He noted that Commission II has not received any formal proposals regarding the name change.

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So then West Java used to have Banten. Banten stood on its own, yes. Well, then we used to have many that were like Cirebon Province wanting to separate, Bogor Raya Province wanting to separate. So, it is very difficult, very difficult to reunite, one of the reasons being giving space to other cultures.