Dedi Mulyadi Highlights Sundanese Values at UIN Bandung 58th Anniversary

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi delivered a public lecture at Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University (UIN) Bandung on September 23, 2025, focusing on the synergy between regional government and State Islamic Religious Higher Education (PTKIN) to develop human resources in West Java.

The event, held at the Anwar Musaddad Hall on Campus I, coincided with the 58th anniversary of UIN Bandung. During the session, the governor, commonly referred to as Kang Dedi Mulyadi (KDM), emphasized that the creation of a Jabar Istimewa (Special West Java) requires the active involvement of universities in implementing Sundanese local wisdom.

Integrating Local Wisdom into Education

Dedi Mulyadi argued that higher education institutions must move beyond purely narrative and administrative teaching methods. He criticized the current state of education where some lecturers teach without an emotional bond or feeling toward their students.

The governor highlighted the importance of the Sundanese values of silih asah, silih asih, and silih asuh as a foundation for building a society that is characterized by justice, and sustainability. He asserted that West Java must return to its origins to address issues such as environmental degradation, illegal mining, poverty, and the loss of identity among the youth.

To strengthen the Sundanese identity, Mulyadi explained that there must be a consciousness of spiritual values and cultural wealth. He referenced the concept of Rawayan Jati, which involves a deep understanding of the universe and local wisdom that should be integrated into regional development policies.

The Role of Adab in Civilization

In addition to his address at UIN Bandung, Governor Mulyadi further expanded on these themes during a Civilization Dialogue for Tolerance and Peace held at the Makara Art Center, Universitas Indonesia, on October 21, 2025. This event commemorated the 15th anniversary of the book Dialog Peradaban untuk Toleransi dan Perdamaian, a collaboration between KH. Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) and Daisaku Ikeda.

During that dialogue, he identified four pillars of adab in Sundanese culture that serve as guides for social harmony:

• Adab toward God
• Adab toward nature
• Adab toward parents
• Adab toward fellow human beings

Mulyadi argued that these values allow the Sundanese people to respect cultural diversity. He noted that social conflicts are typically not caused by religious or cultural differences, but rather by political interests that exploit religious symbols and group identities. He attributed the erosion of pluralism to the expansion of power and economic hegemony.

University Relations and Campus Interaction

The relationship between the governor and UIN Bandung was highlighted by Rektor Prof Rosihon Anwar, who noted that Dedi Mulyadi had previously inaugurated the Kujang Monument located in front of the university hall.

The governor’s visit also included lighthearted interactions with the university leadership. According to reports from tvOneNews, Mulyadi engaged in joking with the Rector, at one point claiming that his experience as a playboy allows him to recognize when someone is attempting to flatter or seduce others.

Beyond the ceremonial and academic aspects of the visit, Governor Mulyadi expressed his readiness to assist universities in their development, reinforcing the strategic role of campuses in the broader process of regional construction in West Java.