Kemandirian bangsa Sunda (Sundanese self-reliance), and broader national identity in Indonesia

The relationship between etnosentrisme (ethnocentrism), kemandirian bangsa Sunda (Sundanese self-reliance), and broader national identity in Indonesia is a nuanced topic.                                        Below is an analysis of how these concepts intersect, while distinguishing them from chauvinism, narrow regionalism, or anti-nationalism:

1. Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural Pride.

- Etnosentrisme : refers to evaluating other cultures through the lens of one’s own cultural norms, often implying superiority. While excessive ethnocentrism can lead to exclusionary attitudes, cultural pride in Sundanese traditions, language (Basa Sunda), and values (Silih Asah, Silih Asih, Silih Asuh) is not inherently negative.

- The Sundanese people’s efforts to preserve their identity (e.g., through art, gamelan, wayang golek, or oral traditions like  pantun) reflect a desire for cultural kemandirian (self-reliance) without necessarily rejecting national unity.

2. Kemandirian Bangsa Sunda: Autonomy Within Unity

- Kemandirian (self-reliance) in this context could signify:

  - Cultural preservation: Protecting Sundanese heritage from homogenization.

  - Economic empowerment : Strengthening local industries (e.g., agriculture, crafts) to reduce dependency on external systems.

  - Political recognition : Advocating for decentralized governance under Indonesia’s framework of regional autonomy (Otonomi Daerah).

- This differs from chauvinism (aggressive superiority) or anti-nasionalisme , as it seeks to harmonize Sundanese identity with Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).

3. Avoiding Chauvinism and Narrow Regionalism

- Chauvinism  implies hostility toward other groups, while kedaerahan (regionalism) can fragment national cohesion if taken to extremes. However, Sundanese self-reliance movements (e.g., Lembaga Kebudayaan Sunda) typically focus on cultural revitalization, not exclusion.

- Examples of balance:

  - Sundanese figures like Kangjeng Prabu Siliwangi are celebrated locally but also integrated into national history.

  - West Java’s development programs often align with national goals (e.g., infrastructure, education) while promoting Sundanese values.

4. Nationalism vs. Persemakmuran (Commonwealth)

- The term Persemakmuran (Commonwealth) in Indonesia might refer to the Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia (NKRI) framework. Sundanese autonomy movements generally operate within this structure, advocating for cultural and economic rights without secessionist aims.

- Contrast this with anti-nationalism: Most Sundanese people strongly identify as Indonesian, viewing their ethnic identity as complementary rather than contradictory.

5. Challenges and Opportunities

- Tensions : Globalization and urbanization threaten Sundanese traditions, fueling calls for kemandirian. However, extremism or isolationism risks alienating other groups.

- Solutions : 

  - Strengthening  multicultural policies that protect regional languages and customs.

  - Promoting Sundanese contributions to national culture (e.g., angklung as a UNESCO-recognized heritage).

  - Encouraging interethnic dialogue to prevent misinterpretations of ethnocentrism.

Conclusion :

The Sundanese pursuit of kemandirian is less about separatism or chauvinism and more about cultural resilience and equitable participation in Indonesia’s development. By framing Sundanese identity as a pillar of national diversity, it aligns with Indonesia’s founding principles. The key lies in fostering unity without uniformity, ensuring that regional pride enriches—rather than divides—the nation.