In an era where technology is rapidly advancing, artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves across various sectors, including medicine, music, and now, language. As globalization continues to blend cultures and languages, Bahasa Indonesia finds itself at a crossroads, with younger generations increasingly adopting English phrases in their daily conversations. However, AI is emerging as a powerful tool to help preserve and promote Bahasa Indonesia in modern contexts.
Gone are the days when learning a language felt like a tedious chore. Thanks to AI, language acquisition is becoming more engaging and interactive. Imagine chatting with an AI that understands Bahasa Indonesia, available to answer questions at any time without the dullness associated with traditional learning methods. Some exciting AI applications already in use include:
- AI tools for practicing speech.
- Grammar and spelling check applications.
- Tools for finding synonyms and antonyms.
Moreover, AI is helping to elevate Bahasa Indonesia's presence in the digital landscape. With much of the internet still dominated by English content, AI can bridge the gap by:
- Automatically generating articles in Bahasa Indonesia.
- Translating foreign content into Bahasa Indonesia seamlessly.
- Providing quick subtitles for videos in Bahasa Indonesia.
AI can also create virtual assistants that understand and communicate in Bahasa Indonesia, enhancing user experience in various applications, from government chatbots to customer service interfaces. As more applications and systems incorporate Bahasa Indonesia, its relevance in the digital world will naturally increase.
One of the most promising innovations is the development of AI-powered digital dictionaries. In the past, students had to sift through thick printed dictionaries to find synonyms or definitions. Now, they can simply ask an AI for the meaning of a word and receive immediate, comprehensive answers. This includes not only the definition but also synonyms, antonyms, word origins, and example sentences.
How does this work? AI leverages big data and advanced technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning to enhance its capabilities. For instance, if you inquire about the meaning of the word "berkelakar," the AI can provide a contextual definition rather than a rigid, outdated one. This accessibility makes language learning easier for everyone—from students needing help with assignments to content creators looking to enhance their writing.
However, while AI holds great promise, it is not infallible. If the data used to train AI models is flawed, the results can be misleading or incorrect. This underscores the importance of having dedicated teams focused on developing and refining AI systems, particularly those that deal with language. These teams ensure that AI understands context, language rules, and effective communication strategies.
Despite the advancements, it is crucial to remember that AI should serve as a tool rather than a complete replacement for human involvement. By using AI judiciously, we can achieve more accurate and high-quality outcomes. AI has the potential to help Bahasa Indonesia thrive and evolve, from aiding language learning to generating content and enhancing public services.
In a separate development, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has acknowledged complaints regarding the Indonesian Language Literacy (LBI) subtest in the 2025 Computer-Based Writing Examination (UTBK) for the National Selection for New Student Admissions (SNPMB). Participants have expressed concerns that some questions were not aligned with the material of Indonesian Language Literacy.
One student, Muhammad Hafidz, who participated in the UTBK at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), highlighted a question about the chemical elements in cow's milk, stating, "The LBI seems problematic; although not all questions are off-topic, some ask about what milk contains and its chemical formula, which was not covered in my LBI study materials." Additionally, another question pertained to Newton's theory of liquidation, which Hafidz found challenging due to its irrelevance to the LBI context.
Togar Mangihut Simatupang, Secretary-General of Kemdiktisaintek, responded to these concerns, stating that the UTBK questions are rigorously tested before being administered. "The questions have undergone multiple testing phases, emphasizing analytical literacy rather than basic knowledge," Togar explained. He acknowledged that the feedback from prospective students regarding the LBI will be considered for future improvements to the test.
The LBI test is a crucial component of the UTBK SNBT 2025, consisting of 30 questions with a completion time of 42.5 minutes. Togar emphasized that while the complaints will inform enhancements, the essence of literacy and language as tools for scientific communication must not be compromised.
In a final note, Aqeela Soraya Elfauzan, a student from Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri Padang Panjang, submitted her final report for the 2024/2025 academic year on May 7, 2025. This report marks an important milestone in her educational journey.
As technology and education evolve, the collaboration between AI and language will be crucial in ensuring that Bahasa Indonesia not only survives but thrives in a globalized world. The careful integration of AI in learning and public services can help foster a culture where Bahasa Indonesia remains relevant and respected.
