On February 26, 2025, Indonesia celebrated the 25th International Mother Language Day at SMPN 1 Turi, Sleman, located within the culturally rich Yogyakarta region. The event, marked by the presence of notable figures like Ministry of Education and Culture's Minister Abdul Mu’ti, highlighted the importance of local languages and cultural heritage for the youth.
This significant gathering saw collaboration from various educational and government representatives, underscoring the united effort necessary for the preservation of regional languages. Before the formal proceedings commenced, activities included the 'Senam Anak Indonesia Hebat' (SAIH), aimed at fostering positive habits among Indonesian children.
Following the exercise, Minister Mu’ti expressed his admiration for students adeptly speaking Javanese during daily life at the school, stating, “I am amazed to see the students here who are fluent in Javanese.” He emphasized the importance of local language habits reflecting the strong local culture among the younger generation.
During his address, Minister Mu’ti discussed significant steps required to safeguard regional languages. He proposed integrating local languages within the educational curriculum, urging their daily use, especially when equivalents exist for foreign terms. Lastly, he recommended the inclusion of local languages in various artistic and scientific contexts, stating, “Using local languages across various aspects of life is one effective way to preserve them.”
Notably, the event also recognized the achievements of SMPN 1 Turi for being named the Best Javanese Language Preservation School at the Festival Tunas Bahasa Ibu, hosted by the Language Development and Fostering Agency. Hafidz Muksin, the Head of Bahasa Agency, remarked on the school's serious and continuous efforts toward preserving the Javanese language.
International Mother Language Day, declared by UNESCO and observed annually on February 21, aims to promote awareness of the importance of language as a medium for education and communication. It plays a pivotal role in shaping identity and culture within nations. According to Hafidz, native languages serve not merely as communication tools but as connections to historical and cultural legacies.
Danang Maharsa, the Deputy Regent of Sleman, expressed pride over SMPN 1 Turi's commendation, viewing it as motivation for other schools within Sleman to engage more actively in local language preservation efforts. He stated, “The Sleman government will continue to support revitalization policies encouraged by the Ministry of Education and Culture.”
At the event, the head of SMPN 1 Turi, Hospita Henny Koerniati, shared how the school implements routine revitalization efforts for local languages. On Thursdays, students and teachers are required to communicate using Javanese, reinforcing the significance of local languages as integral parts of cultural identity.
The festivity wrapped up with Minister Mu’ti receiving souvenirs, including a self-portrait painting by ninth-grade student Miftahul Najah, commemorative gifts illustrating appreciation for the Minister's commitment to supporting language preservation initiatives within Indonesia.
The event also featured cultural performances, including musical adaptations of Javanese poetry by students from SMPN 6 Yogyakarta and readings of Javanese short stories by Gibran from SDN Glagah Yogyakarta. These performances demonstrated the continuous cultural development and appreciation of the Javanese language within artistic realms.
International Mother Language Day at SMPN 1 Turi exemplified committed efforts toward regional language preservation, rivaling modern challenges. With educational systems incorporating local languages, the future of cultural diversity within Indonesia looks promising. Through cooperation among government bodies, educational institutions, and communities, it is hoped Javanese and other regional languages persist and flourish, remaining central to the social and cultural fabric of the nation.
Shifting gears to highlight the dynamic evolution of language, the latest entries to the Indonesian language lexicon showcase cultural exchanges. For example, the absorption of 89 Italian terms, as revealed by updates to the Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), signifies Indonesia's vibrant linguistic evolution. Among the newly adopted terms are 'andar tempo' (first round), 'banco' (bank counter), and 'madrigal' (a type of polyphonic vocal music).
Each foreign term, including keywords like 'kulacino' (moisture ring) and 'boccia' (precision sport for persons with disabilities), symbolizes the smooth integration of diverse cultural elements within Bahasa Indonesia. The flexibility of the language to adapt and incorporate foreign influences affirms its vitality.
While some terms may still be unfamiliar, their everyday use will contribute to wider acceptance within conversations across Indonesian society. The combination of tradition and modern influence captures the continuous growth of the Indonesian language, showcasing the ever-changing fabric of cultural identity.
Meanwhile, as Indonesia approaches Ramadhan, new terms like 'cucurak' (a pre-Ramadhan gathering) and 'ngabuburit' (waiting for iftar) have begun to trend. These words contribute to the colorful conversation surrounding Indonesian culture during the fasting month, showcasing local language use reflecting social practices.
'Cucurak' has already made its way to the KBBI, encapsulating the communal joy observed as family and friends gather prior to the start of Ramadhan. Meanwhile, 'ngabuburit,' commonly used among Sundanese, has cleverly fused preparation for fasting with cultural fun.
These discussions confirm the flourishing state of Indonesia's vocabulary, reflecting tradition, culture, and modernity. With collective efforts across communities, the indigenization of foreign influences and celebration of local languages will continue to reinforce Indonesia's rich cultural mosaic, affirming its position on the global linguistic stage.