RRI.CO.ID, Bandung – The West Java Provincial Government has officially designated May 18 as Tatar Sunda Day through West Java Governor Regulation Number 13 of 2026. The designation is part of the government’s effort to strengthen Sundanese cultural identity while encouraging the public to continue preserving local cultural heritage in everyday life.

The establishment of Tatar Sunda Day was announced in early May 2026 and is expected to become more than just an annual ceremonial commemoration. The West Java Provincial Government believes the observance can serve as a milestone in reviving the identity and cultural character of Sundanese society amid globalization and modern development.

This year’s Tatar Sunda Day celebrations are being held from May 2 to May 18, 2026. Various cultural activities have been organized to involve the public directly, including historical reenactments, cultural parades, and cultural forums that bring together communities and Sundanese cultural figures.

Head of the West Java Tourism and Culture Office, Iendra Sofyan, stated that one of the main activities is the Tatar Pasundan historical journey, which takes place at eight locations across West Java. The event also features the original Binokasih Crown and its replica, both considered to hold significant historical and cultural value.

The Binokasih Crown will be transported in a royal carriage accompanied by the governor, vice governor, and regents and mayors from 27 cities and regencies across West Java. The procession is being tightly guarded due to the crown’s immense historical and material value.

In addition to the cultural procession, the celebration is enlivened by traditional West Javanese performances, including reak art from Bandung and Sasapian Buhun from West Bandung Regency. The provincial government hopes these performances will help introduce traditional arts to a wider audience, especially younger generations.

On May 16, 2026, the West Java Provincial Government also held a cultural carnival in Bandung, starting from Monumen Perjuangan and ending at Gedung Sate. The carnival featured cultural performances from various regions across West Java, showcasing the diversity of Sundanese traditions and arts.

The peak of the Tatar Sunda Day commemoration took place on May 17 through a large-scale cultural performance alongside Indonesian cultural figure Sujiwo Tejo at the Gedung Sate area in Bandung. The event symbolized the spirit of preserving Sundanese culture while introducing West Java’s cultural heritage to broader communities.

The West Java Provincial Government emphasized that Tatar Sunda Day is not intended to revive the kingdom system of the past. Instead, the commemoration aims to promote Sundanese culture, strengthen regional cultural identity, and ensure that Sundanese heritage remains alive and relevant in modern society.