PORTALJABAR, BEKASI REGENCY - West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has initiated the restructuring of five villages in Cibarusah and Bojongmangu to maintain their Sundanese character.

Dedi conveyed this idea while attending the DPRD Plenary Meeting in the context of the 76th Anniversary of Bekasi Regency, August 15, 2026.

Village planning is aimed at maintaining the character of houses, the environment, agriculture, ponds, rivers, trees and open spaces that are still beautiful.

Dedi said that development needs to maintain the character of the area so that Bekasi Regency is not only known as an industrial area.

"We should lay a solid foundation for the Bekasi Regency capital. This way, we can build a brand, a region built by the regency government, with a culture that's not overly synonymous with an industrial complex," said Dedi.

According to Dedi, residents' houses that maintain their traditional character do not need to be completely changed in the area's planning.

"The house remains the same, just decorated. Because he wants to be at one with nature," he said.

The West Java Provincial Government will support the development of the five villages, while the Bekasi Regency Government has been asked to prepare regional planning and identification.

Acting Regent of Bekasi, Asep Surya Atmaja, said that the Bekasi Regency Government will include the Bojongmangu area along with Cibarusah in the development plan.

"The Governor spoke with me earlier. He wants the five villages to be built with Sundanese characteristics. Because of Sundanese culture, the houses can't be changed; they'll remain the same, but they'll be renovated," Asep said.

Asep will coordinate with the Cibarusah and Bojongmangu Districts to identify potential locations for development based on local character.

According to Asep, the area has a beautiful environment and is located in the border area between Bekasi Regency and Bogor Regency.

"Bekasi's character must be there, its beauty must never be changed," he said.

Village development will go hand in hand with the construction of provincial roads leading to border areas to open up access and economic opportunities for the community.

Bekasi Regency DPRD Chairman Ade Syukron assessed that the development of regional identity needs to be formulated by the regional government together with the DPRD.

"We need an identity. Where is our icon? The icon is a reflection," said Ade.

According to Ade, regional identity can be in the form of a community interaction space that serves as a gathering place and reflects the character of Bekasi Regency.

The Bekasi Regency Government also plans to utilize the Wibawa Mukti Stadium area as a center for community activities through entertainment and weekend public services.

The development of these five villages is expected to preserve culture and the environment while opening up economic benefits for the local community.

(Bekasi Regency Communications and Information Service/bhf)