International Mother Language Day 2025 was commemorated with great enthusiasm across Indonesia, emphasizing the importance of regional languages for quality education and cultural identity. This year's theme, "Regional Languages Support Quality Education for All," sparked lively discussions and activities aimed at celebrating linguistic diversity.
The main event took place on February 27, 2025, at SMP Negeri 1 Turi, Sleman, Yogyakarta, where Indonesia's Minister of Education, Abdul Mu'ti, underscored the role of mother languages as fundamental communication tools for children. "Academic studies show children who begin learning with their mother language have a greater conceptual and literacy skills development," Mu'ti stated, highlighting the academic advantages of teaching in local languages.
Mu'ti's comments echoed throughout various regions as the celebration also featured exciting performances, including the Anak Indonesia Hebat (SAIH) gymnastics event, which promotes national positive habits among children. Students engaged with their local language skills, much to the delight of the minister, who conversed with the young learners at SMP Negeri 1 Turi.
Bengkulu also marked the occasion with elaborate programs, where various cultural presentations were showcased alongside discussions about the importance of regional languages in education. The broader aim is not just to preserve these languages but to embed them deeply within the educational system. This means making local languages part of the standard curriculum, which will allow children to gain confidence and academic success right from their formative years.
According to statistics shared by the Ministry, Indonesia boasts over 718 regional languages—making it one of the richest linguistic landscapes globally. This vast array of languages is not merely for communication but significantly contributes to national identity and unity among its diverse populace. "The wealth of our languages must be preserved,' asserted Mu'ti, reflecting on his recent enlightening discussions with international leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, where he was surprised to learn the magnitude of Indonesia's regional languages.
At the heart of the celebration was also the acknowledgment of challenges faced by local languages within the education system. Mu'ti noted how teachers often require additional support to effectively instruct using regional languages, recognizing both the need for training resources and curriculum adjustments. "Using mother languages supports not just individual academic achievement but strengthens our cultural foundation," he reiterated.
Hafidz Muksin, Head of the Language Agency, emphasized the government's dedication to revitalizing regional languages. Programs aim to encourage youth engagement with their local tongue and provide frameworks for incorporating these languages significantly within school curricula. The goal is to create bilingual students who can navigate both local and national languages fluently.
The culmination of the day was marked by the official inauguration of the Balai Bahasa (Language Center) in Bengkulu. This facility is intended to serve as the cornerstone for language development initiatives and is expected to support not only educational requirements but also serve as auditoriums for cultural events and literacy programs. Mu'ti expressed hope for this center to act as a beacon for language preservation and to facilitate the interplay between languages at both national and international levels.
Through the events of International Mother Language Day, it became clear: language is more than just communication; it embodies the values, history, and identity of its speakers. This day is not solely about honoring languages but about fostering respect, embracing diversity, and building educational spaces where all forms of communication can thrive.
Overall, the celebration was more than just symbolic; it served as the reiteration of Indonesia's commitment to nurturing its unique linguistic heritage and pushing for policies aligned with modern education strategies, aimed at ensuring every child gets the opportunity to learn and excel through the lens of their mother tongue.
With collaborative efforts from the government, educators, and communities, the future outlook for regional languages seems promising. By integrating these languages at the core of educational practices, Indonesia is not just preserving its linguistic history but also paving the way for future generations to connect deeply with their cultural roots.
International Mother Language Day serves as both celebration and call to action; to strengthen the ties between language and identity, establishing the groundwork for inclusive, effective, and culturally relevant education for all students.