PORTALJABAR, CIAMIS REGENCY - The Ciamis Regency Government continues to promote the preservation of regional culture by involving the younger generation as guardians of the Tatar Galuh identity. One such effort is the holding of the 9th Pasanggiri Ujang Nyai in 2026, which is also part of the series of events commemorating the 384th anniversary of Ciamis Regency.

The activity, which took place at the Ciamis Regency Education Office Hall, Sunday (7/6/2026), was officially opened by the Chairperson of the Ciamis Regency PKK TP, Hj. Kania Ernawati Herdiat, and was attended by participants from various levels of education who appeared to demonstrate their abilities, cultural insight, personality, and love for Sundanese culture.

In her remarks, Hj. Kania Ernawati Herdiat emphasized that a nation's progress is inseparable from its ability to maintain and preserve the culture that forms the roots of its civilization.

"A great nation is one that does not forget its own culture. Culture is the historical root of civilization that must be continuously preserved and passed on to future generations," he said.

According to him, Pasanggiri Ujang Nyai is not just a competition or a place to find participants with the best performances, but rather a medium for transforming the noble values of Sundanese culture to the younger generation who will later become cultural ambassadors and the pride of Ciamis Regency.

He conveyed three important messages to all participants. First, recognize and understand your own cultural roots through learning Sundanese, the history of Galuh, and various regional arts. Second, become a generation that not only uses culture as a symbol but also preserves and embodies it in everyday life. Third, develop traditions so they remain relevant to the times without losing their identity.

"Preserving culture doesn't mean rejecting change. The younger generation must be able to bridge tradition with the times, so that Sundanese culture remains familiar, interesting, and a source of pride for young people," he said.

The Ciamis Regency Government views Pasanggiri Ujang Nyai as a strategic tool for character development for the younger generation. In addition to developing talents and potential, this activity also serves as an educational platform for instilling cultural values, ethics, and a love of local wisdom from an early age.

As part of the 384th anniversary celebrations of Ciamis Regency, the event is expected to produce young figures who are not only accomplished but also deeply committed to preserving regional culture. The winners will represent the Tatar Galuh generation, ready to introduce the culture and potential of Ciamis Regency to the wider community.

Hj. Kania also expressed her appreciation to the entire committee, Sanggar Kresida, the parents of the participants, and all those who supported the event. She hopes that Pasanggiri Ujang Nyai will continue to be a space for the growth of Ciamis' cultured, character-driven, and high-achieving young generation.

"Winning the championship isn't just a matter of personal pride, but a mandate to help elevate Ciamis's name through culture. Let's work together to uphold traditions, preserve customs, and elevate the dignity of Tatar Galuh culture for the future," he concluded.

Meanwhile, in a report by the Head of the Ciamis Regency Tourism Office, Heryan Rusyandi, he said that Pasanggiri Ujang Nyai is one of the strategic agendas in an effort to preserve Sundanese culture while preparing a young generation who has character, cultural insight, and a sense of pride in their region.

According to him, this activity is in line with one of the missions of the Ciamis Regency Government, namely improving the quality of superior, competitive, and character-based human resources.

"Pasanggiri Ujang Nyai is not just a talent search event, but a means of educating and nurturing the younger generation to learn about, appreciate, and become advocates for preserving regional culture. Through this activity, we aim to develop a generation of Tatar Galuh who are not only academically intelligent but also possess a strong cultural identity," he said.

Heryan added that cultural preservation must be carried out sustainably, involving the younger generation as key actors. Therefore, Pasanggiri Ujang Nyai is a learning space that combines cultural knowledge, ethics, personality, and communication skills needed to face future challenges.

Through the 9th Pasanggiri Ujang Nyai (Ujang Nyai Festival), the Ciamis Regency Government reiterated that regional development is not solely focused on physical and economic progress, but also on strengthening character and preserving culture as the primary foundation of Ciamis's community identity. (Ciamis Regency Communications and Information Office)