BANDUNG CITY (TUGUBANDUNG.ID) – Mayor of Bandung Muhammad Farhan attended the Plenary Meeting of the West Java Provincial Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of West Java Province, held in the courtyard of Gedung Sate on Wednesday evening, August 19, 2026.
The plenary session formed part of the series of events celebrating West Java's 81st Anniversary, which falls on August 19, 2026.
The moment served as a reflection on West Java's journey and an opportunity to strengthen a shared commitment to continuing regional development.
In his address, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi highlighted a number of development milestones and challenges, including those related to the Human Development Index (HDI).
Dedi noted that West Java's national HDI ranking has shifted since 2020. In 2025, West Java ranked 15th nationally, achieving what he described as the highest HDI growth rate in the country that year.
According to him, improving the HDI remains a collective effort, particularly because several regencies in West Java still record relatively low HDI scores.
“How do we boost the HDI? Boosting the HDI requires the government to continuously enhance basic services for regencies and cities,” Dedi said.
He acknowledged that upgrading basic services currently faces severe fiscal pressure. Nevertheless, Dedi expressed optimism that West Java's development aspirations can be achieved through shared spirit and optimism.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the West Java Provincial DPRD Buky Wibawa stated that based on Regional Regulation No. 26 of 2010 concerning the Anniversary of West Java Province, August 19, 1945, was designated as the founding date of West Java Province.
This designation is rooted in the historical establishment of Indonesia's first eight provinces by the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence (PPKI): West Java, Central Java, East Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Lesser Sunda.
Buky emphasized that the West Java Anniversary serves as a moment to honor history and regional governance figures, foster local unity and pride, and deepen the public's love for West Java.
He also reaffirmed the West Java DPRD's commitment to supporting beneficial development ideas for the province.
“Our duties and functions may differ, but we are an inseparable whole,” Buky remarked.
Separately, Farhan extended his congratulations on the 81st Anniversary of West Java Province via the official Instagram channel of the Bandung City Secretariat's Protocol and Executive Communication Office.
Farhan stated that 81 years is a long journey filled with achievements, dedication, and the spirit to build West Java into an advanced, prosperous, and competitive province.
As the capital of West Java Province, Farhan believes Bandung City bears a responsibility to contribute by strengthening public services, fostering innovation and the creative economy, and driving inclusive, sustainable urban development.
“Every regency and city in West Java has its own role, potential, and complementary strengths,” Farhan said.
Under the leadership of West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, Farhan invited all regions to reinforce collaboration, align their steps, and deliver programs that offer tangible benefits to the public.
He also encouraged the people of West Java to preserve togetherness, nurture local culture and wisdom, and boldly create new breakthroughs to meet the challenges of the times.
“Because a strong West Java is built from regions willing to empower one another,” he added.
Farhan expressed hope that West Java's 81st Milangkala (anniversary) would serve as momentum to move faster, work more concretely, and deliver the best contributions for West Java.