BANDUNG Deputy Chairman of the West Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Iwan Suryawan, called on all parties to see the polemic of the construction of the Gedung Sate gate, which cost Rp3.9 billion, from a broader and constructive perspective. He emphasized the importance of maintaining historical and aesthetic values of one of the most important heritage buildings in West Java.
The controversy over the new gate in the Gedung Sate area, as an icon and center of government of West Java Province, has emerged to the public and caused various reactions. The development, which was assessed by some parties, turned the aesthetic face of the historic area into the main spotlight.
Need For Deep Study And Openness
Iwan Suryawan emphasized that every change effort, especially in cultural heritage areas such as Gedung Sate, should ideally be preceded by an in-depth study involving various parties and being open to the public.
Parties that must be involved, said the West Java DPRD leadership, include historians, culturalists, city planning experts, and architects. This is important to ensure development does not damage the historical value inherent in buildings.
"We understand that every leader has a taste, has a will that may have good intentions, visionary. But maybe (such as) Mr. Dedi [Mulyadi] who is very active on social media, invite public open discussions in planning, so that his perspective is understood before starting," said Iwan, Friday, November 28, 2025).
He highlighted that development must have a more humane approach and consider the sociological aspects of the people of West Java, because the gate has a big symbolic meaning.
Support For The Involvement Of ITB Experts
The Deputy Chairperson of the West Java DPRD fully supports the involvement of experts from leading educational institutions, such as the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), to provide a professional view. Academic involvement is expected to be able to provide measurable and scientifically responsible solutions.
Iwan Suryawan welcomed the initiative delivered by the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, who is also known as a cultural observer, regarding the essence of development in historic areas.
"Development must respect the spirit of the place itself. Gedung Sate is not just an office, it is a monument. Every addition, no matter how small, it should strengthen, instead of drowning the aura of history," said Dedi Mulyadi, who also responded to this polemic.
Dedi Mulyadi also revealed that he had discussed with ITB architects who argued that "a new structure in the core area of Gedung Sate must comply with existing cultural heritage principles, especially in terms of scale, material, and sense of place." ITB architects suggested that outdoor arrangement prioritize openness and authenticity rather than adding dominant elements.
Urges Evaluation And Synergy
Iwan Suryawan emphasized that the initiative to involve ITB architects was the right step towards an aesthetic consensus that could be accepted by all parties in order to maintain the legacy of Gedung Sate.
As a follow-up, the Deputy Chairperson of the West Java DPRD urged the West Java Provincial Government to immediately evaluate the total communication regarding development programs in West Java, especially on historical symbols. This evaluation must involve aspects of public acceptance and compliance with cultural heritage regulations.
Iwan Suryawan invites all parties of the government, academics, culturalists, and the general public to work together in maintaining the historical and cultural assets of West Java. This synergy is considered as the key to sustainable development and character, as well as ensuring the sustainability of Gedung Sate for future generations.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
