STIE MalangKucecwara is taking significant steps to promote Indonesian culture and language through its Sakura Program, which is celebrating its 25th year. Launched on February 17, 2025, the program welcomed 15 students from Kanda University, Japan, for an immersive three-week experience in Indonesia.
The Sakura Program is more than just an academic endeavor; it serves to strengthen cultural ties between Japan and Indonesia. Dra. Tutik Arniati, the Vice Chair of STIE MalangKucecwara, described the long-standing partnership with Kanda University, stating, "Jadi sudah 25 tahun kami menjalin kerjasama dengan Kanda University, mengirimkan mahasiswa mereka ke sini untuk belajar bahasa dan budaya Indonesia." This collaborative effort has enabled countless international students to engage with Indonesia’s rich heritage.
During their stay, students from Japan are not only attending lectures but are also participating actively in local culture. Each student is paired with a mentor for personalized guidance, allowing for more intensive learning experiences. This includes living with local families to fully understand the daily Indonesian lifestyle, thereby deepening their cultural immersion.
The students are tasked with showcasing their skills at the end of the program during the Gelar Seni dan Kinerja Belajar Mahasiswa Program Sakura. They are expected to deliver speeches in Indonesian and perform traditional dances from various regions of Indonesia. Arniati expressed pride over their progress, noting, "Kami bangga dan mengapresiasi, karena dalam waktu tiga pekan, mereka bisa lancar berpidato dan menampilkan tari-tarian khas Indonesia."
Meanwhile, on March 10, 2025, Fadli Zon, the Indonesian Minister of Culture, visited Pulau Penyengat, calling it the 'ground zero' of the Indonesian language. This island plays a pivotal role in defining national identity and linguistic integrity. During his visit, he praised the contributions of historical figures like Raja Ali Haji and Raja Haji Fisabilillah, stating, "Bahasa Indonesia tidak akan ada tanpa sumbangan besar dari tokoh-tokoh seperti Raja Ali Haji dan Raja Haji Fisabilillah. Bahasa ini mempersatukan bangsa kita dan menjadi bagian penting dalam sejarah perjuangan kemerdekaan."
Fadli's visit aimed to assess the preservation of cultural heritage on Pulau Penyengat, recognized as a national cultural reserve. Home to numerous historical sites, including the shrines of national heroes, the visit highlighted the need to protect this cultural ecosystem. Fadli remarked, "Pulau Penyengat adalah ekosistem budaya yang unik. Di sini, kehidupan budaya Melayu masih terpelihara dengan baik," emphasizing the island's significance.
A notable initiative stemming from Fadli’s visit is the proposed construction of the Monumen Bahasa Indonesia, intended to become both a symbol of national pride and a cultural hub. He elaborated, "Kami ingin monumen ini dilengkapi dengan museum, ruang seni, dan ruang ekspresi budaya. Ini akan menjadi destinasi budaya yang penting bagi generasi mendatang," indicating the importance of enriching cultural interactions through this monument.
Fadli also highlighted the potential of Pulau Penyengat as both a historical site and cultural tourist destination. He believes it can attract both local and international tourists, which would benefit both the economy and cultural awareness. "Pulau Penyengat bisa menjadi platform untuk mempromosikan budaya dan kuliner Melayu. Ini akan menarik minat wisatawan lokal maupun internasional," he noted.
Attention to language preservation continues at the national level, with the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture actively working on revitalizing regional languages. The initiative involves collaboration across 38 provinces and 315 cities, aiming to revitalize 120 endangered languages and dialects.
This program not only focuses on linguistic preservation but also emphasizes the importance of literacy. The Badan Bahasa has distributed over one million copies of books to schools throughout Indonesia to support literacy and cultural education. Simultaneously, the Ministry has implemented the BIPA program, which teaches Indonesian to speakers of other languages, extending its reach to 56 countries.
The commitment to preserving Indonesia's cultural and linguistic heritage is evident through these multifaceted initiatives. Both the Sakura Program and Fadli Zon’s visit to Pulau Penyengat underline the importance of education and cultural exchange as tools for fostering unity and pride among Indonesians and enhancing their connection to their roots.
These efforts are not only about maintaining traditions but also building bridges for future generations. With continued support from both educational institutions and the government, the preservation of Indonesia’s languages and cultures is poised to thrive, ensuring they remain vibrant elements of the nation's identity.