BANDUNG, unpas.ac.id – Recently, the societies have been shocked by the issuance of Sundanese Declaration (Maklumat Sunda) stating about the establishment of the Province of Great Sunda (Provinsi Sunda Raya) (West Java, Jakarta, Banten).
The issuance was responded by Sundanese leader figures. They consider that the discourse on Maklumat Sunda was just an illusion. The statement was made by Sundanese figures in a meeting held at the Main Office of Paguyuban Pasundan, Jalan Sumatera No. 41, Bandung, on Saturday, 5 February 2022.
The meeting of Sundanese inohong was attended by the Governor of West Java Ridwan Kamil, General Chairman of Paguyuban Pasundan Prof. Dr. H. M. Didi Turmudzi, M.Sc., Member of Commission I DPR RI TB. Hasanuddin and other leader figures.
The Sundanese inohong meeting was attended by the Governor of West Java Ridwan Kamil, the General Chair of the PB Pasundan Association, Prof. Dr. H. M. Didi Turmudzi, M.Sc., Member of Commission I DPR RI TB Hasanuddin, and other figures.
Prof. Didi expressed his concern over the recent phenomena that have disrupted the foundations of nationality and the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia, NKRI).
“Since the beginning of the proclamation, our founding fathers realized the huge potential for division of the nation due to the diversity of ethnicities, religions, groups, and interests,” he said.
According to him, the basic values of the nation’s life continue to be scattered for various reasons, interests, and group egoism, giving rise to ethnocentrism and religious fundamentalism.
Responding to the phenomena that occurred and based on the awareness to further strengthen togetherness, unity, tolerance, and the integrity of the nation, six statement points were made from this meeting.
“First, it is necessary to re-strengthen the relationship between Sundanese leader figures in building and maintaining Sundanese integrity from individuals who try to create polemics and controversies,” he said.
Second, that the Maklumat Sunda that was raised by a group of people on behalf of Sunda does not actually represent the entire Sundanese community.
“Third, the speech of Maklumat Sunda regarding the merging of the three provinces into the Province of Great Sunda is just an illusion and unfounded history. Moreover, there is also no such thing as Greta Sunda,” he explained.
Fourth, real and rational hopes and aspirations of the Sundanese people do not require special autonomy for the Province of Great Sunda, but they ask the central government to expand districts/cities in West Java and Banten Province which will have an impact on the development and welfare of the community.
Fifth, a wise attitude is needed in responding to movements related to elements in the name of Islam, such as the declaration of the NII in Garut.
“The public must remain vigilant and, for policy makers, do not to generalize these kinds of movements and label Islam, thus identifying Islam with radicals and terrorists,” he continued.
Sixth, they need to reject any form of movement in the name of Sunda without starting with deliberation and mutual agreement between national and Sundanese mass organizations in this region which is based on the values of companionship (Silih Asah, Silih Asih, and Silih Asuh).
Governor of West Java Ridwan Kamil said, West Java Province must continue to be conducive: including the dynamics that threaten disintegration, miscommunication, and treason narratives against the four pillars of nationality, namely Pancasila, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), the 1945 Constitution, and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.
“So, there is a declaration from some elements who are on behalf of Sunda and propose the merging of the three provinces. With this, we, inohong, and the head of the leading mass organizations do not agree,” he concluded. (Reta)*