There is no official proposal to rename West Java to Tatar Sunda, Sunda, or Pasundan, according to Deputy Speaker of the West Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Ono Surono. While a community group submitted a request to review the name earlier this year, both the provincial legislature and Governor Dedi Mulyadi have confirmed that no formal initiative to alter the province’s name exists.
Did You Know? The discussion originated from a letter sent on January 6, 2025, by the “Komunitas Pengkaji Penggantian Nama Provinsi Jawa Barat” (West Java Province Name Change Study Community) to the Chairman of the West Java DPRD, Buky Wibawa.
Status of the Name Change Discussions
Though the provincial government has denied any official plan to rename the region, the issue gained traction through legislative procedures. Following the initial letter in January, the DPRD held an audience on May 22, 2025. During this meeting, the Chairman of the DPRD issued an internal note to Commission I, directing a preliminary review of the request.
A second audience took place on August 14, 2025, involving Commission I and representatives from the West Java Provincial Government. Ono Surono clarified that the legislative body only agreed to investigate the request, not to approve a name change. He emphasized that any comprehensive study would require a deep analysis of historical, sociological, cultural, and economic factors, particularly given the region’s diverse population of Sundanese, Betawi, and Cirebon communities.
Government Stance and Future Outlook
Governor Dedi Mulyadi has dismissed the rumors of a name change as fabrications. In a statement posted to his social media, Mulyadi characterized the online discourse as “stories” created by third parties. He affirmed that the provincial government remains focused on its work and maintains that the province will continue to be named West Java.
Moving forward, it is unlikely that the provincial government will pursue a rebranding effort. While the legislative assembly has agreed to review the community’s request, officials have maintained that this does not equate to an endorsement of the proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an official plan to rename West Java?
No. Both Deputy Speaker Ono Surono and Governor Dedi Mulyadi have confirmed there is no official proposal or intention to change the name of the province.
Why was there a review of the name change request?
The West Java DPRD held audiences and issued a note to Commission I to perform a preliminary study of the request submitted by the “Komunitas Pengkaji Penggantian Nama Provinsi Jawa Barat.” Officials state this was a procedural response to an aspiration, not an agreement to change the name.
What was the Governor’s response to the rumors?
Governor Dedi Mulyadi stated that the discourse regarding a name change is a fabrication and that the provincial government is focused on its current work, with no plans to alter the name from West Java.
Do you believe that administrative procedures for reviewing public requests should be more clearly distinguished from actual policy initiatives to avoid public confusion?
