PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin attended the funeral of Sundanese political figure and cultural figure Uu Rukmana at Astana Anyar TPU, Bandung City, Monday (4/3/2024).

"Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun, first of all, on behalf of the West Java Provincial Government, we express our deep condolences for the passing of Mr. Uu Rukmana. We have lost a West Java figure, he was not only a political figure, but also had great dedication to the people of West Java, especially in the field of culture, Sundanese culture," said Bey Machmudin.

Uu Rukmana died at the age of 76 at the Bandung City Adventist Hospital, at around 18.50 WIB, Sunday (3/3).

Apart from conveying prayers and moral support to the bereaved family, Bey Machmudin also reminded the spirit of unity and preservation of Sundanese culture which must be kept alive by the deceased figure who was known to get along easily with all groups.

"With anyone we must remain united. In the current conditions, we are together to develop West Java and his message is to defend and preserve Sundanese culture," said Bey.

Uu Rukmana was born and raised in Bandung City. His political career began in 1972 as a member of the Bandung City DPRD until he served as Deputy Chair of the West Java DPRD for the 2004-2009 period and member of the West Java DPRD for the 2009-2014 period.

The deceased was also active in Sundanese cultural organization activities. Known for being persistent in maintaining Sundanese culture, Uu Rukmana was once the Editor-in-Chief of Mangle, a Sundanese language magazine.

"He really wants Sundanese culture to continue to exist. Hopefully we can emulate what he directed," said Bey.