Kirab Mahkota Binokasih Dipersoalkan, MASDA Jabar: Jangan Mudah Cap Budaya sebagai Berhala

GARUT - The controversy over the Kirab Mahkota Binokasih in Garut entered the room of Commission IV of the Garut DPRD, Friday, May 8, 2026. The West Java Sunda Custom Assembly or MASDA West Java was asked to provide an explanation after the activity was questioned by the End of Time Youth group.

The Chairman of the West Java MASDA, Inspector General of Police, Retired, H. Anton Charliyan or Abah Anton, said that this controversy arose because some people had not received a complete narrative about the meaning of the traditional kirab.

In the meeting, MASDA West Java was represented by the MASDA West Java Rancage Team Coordinator of Garut, Oos Supyadin. Also present were the leadership and members of Commission IV of the Garut DPRD, MUI Garut, pesantren figures, Disparbud Garut, cultural council, arts council, adat council, Islamic organizations, and the Youth of the End of Time.

There are two things that are questioned. First, the procedure for the Governor of West Java Dedi Mulyadi's homage to the crown-containing Mahkota Binokasih. Second, the procession of a statue in the shape of a giant head that is considered creepy and considered similar to a statue.

MASDA West Java considers honoring the Binokasih Crown not an act of worship. According to Abah Anton, in the Sunda tradition, the gesture of hands crossed on the chest, both standing and sitting, is a form of respect for the symbol of the ancestors.

"If it is considered excessive or prohibited, it should be conveyed so that the Sundanese people understand," said Abah Anton in his statement on Saturday, May 9.

He explained that the Binokasih Crown is an important heritage of the Sunda Galuh Pajajaran Kingdom, which is now stored at the Sumedang Larang Museum. Garut also has historical links through the Timbang Anten Kingdom, which is said to have played a role in the trail of saving the glory of Pajajaran.

Regarding the statue in the procession, Abah Anton emphasized that not all forms of statues can automatically be called idols.

"Things become idols if they are worshiped and considered God. If they are only displayed, cared for, or become works of art, do not immediately label them as idols," he said.

He compared it to Betawi ondel-ondel, Subang sisingaan, Buraq and Maung statues in Cirebon, wayang golek, to statues of heroes. All of these, said the former West Java Police Chief, live as works of art and regional cultural identity.

However, Abah Anton also reminded the government and cultural actors to be more neat in preparing narratives before holding adat activities. Explanation about the symbols, forms, and meanings of the event needs to be conveyed from the beginning so as not to cause misunderstanding.

According to Abah Anton, the lack of socialization makes some people increasingly distant from the sense of belonging to their customs and traditions.

"Differences must be appreciated. Don't be a judge in your own case, don't spread slander and hoaxes. If you don't understand, tabayun," said Abah Anton.