Indonesia Intensifies Regional Language Revitalization to Strengthen National Identity
Samarinda, The Gulf Observer: The Language Development and Fostering Agency of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is intensifying its program to revitalize 120 regional languages across Indonesia as part of efforts to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen national identity amid globalization.
Head of the East Kalimantan Language Center, Asep Juanda, stated on Friday that three regional languages—Kenyah, Kutai Malay, and Paser—have already been revitalized in East Kalimantan, while Bulungan and Tidung have been added this year in North Kalimantan. Currently, 27 regional languages are under revitalization, consisting of 16 in East Kalimantan and 11 in North Kalimantan.
The preservation initiative places special focus on younger generations through the Mother Language Shoots Festival (FTBI), which integrates regional languages into creative competitions for elementary and junior high school students. Activities include short story writing, storytelling, and stand-up comedy contests in local languages, aimed at fostering appreciation and active use of mother tongues.
Head of the Language Development and Fostering Agency, Hafidz Muksin, emphasized that the program reflects the Tri Gatra Bangun Bahasa slogan, particularly the principle of “Preserve Regional Languages.” This aligns with the second pillar, Utamakan Bahasa Indonesia (Prioritize the Indonesian Language), which is being implemented through a nationwide literacy strengthening program. The government distributes over 21 million quality reading books annually to schools with low literacy levels, significantly improving the literacy index according to national assessment data. As of 2023, the initiative has also supported 340 literacy communities nationwide.
Meanwhile, the third pillar—increasing the international presence of the Indonesian language—has achieved significant progress, most notably with the designation of Indonesian as one of the official languages of the UNESCO General Assembly. Further global recognition will be marked on September 20, 2025, when Al-Azhar University in Egypt inaugurates an Indonesian language study program.
Officials underscored that these efforts demonstrate Indonesia’s comprehensive commitment to preserving linguistic diversity, prioritizing the national language, and promoting Indonesian on the global stage.
