On May 2, 2025, Indonesia celebrated Hari Pendidikan Nasional (Hardiknas), a day dedicated to reflecting on the state of education in the country. This year, the focus was on the pivotal roles of the Indonesian language, literacy, and higher education in fostering a competitive and civilized nation. Prof. Andi Sukri Syamsuri, a prominent linguist and Vice Rector I of Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar, emphasized that Hardiknas should be more than just a ceremonial event. "This is a moment to evaluate the direction of education, especially on its foundational elements: language and literacy," he stated during an interview at the Unismuh campus.
Prof. Andi highlighted the alarming results from the 2018 PISA survey, which ranked Indonesia 72nd out of 77 countries in reading ability. He pointed out that this ranking underscores the urgent need for a literacy revolution in the country. "The Indonesian language is not just a means of communication; it is also a symbol of identity and a tool for critical thinking," he remarked, stressing the importance of nurturing these qualities in the educational system.
Despite the fact that over 200 million Indonesians are now connected to the internet, according to We Are Social's 2024 report, Prof. Andi noted that the ability to discern information remains weak among the populace. "Hoaxes are a symptom of digital literacy failure," he asserted, calling for a renewed focus on improving literacy skills in the digital age.
In addition to the challenges posed by digitalization, Prof. Andi pointed out the threats of globalization, which he believes undermine the prominence of the Indonesian language in higher education. He warned that the dominance of foreign languages in academic journals and lectures could obscure the nation's cultural identity. "In the global era, the Indonesian language should not only be taught but also revitalized as a language of science," he urged, calling on educational institutions to develop curricula that blend digital literacy with a love for the Indonesian language.
Research conducted by Septia Rizqi Nur Abni and colleagues in 2025, along with Idawati and her team in 2024, indicated that the position of the Indonesian language in national academic literature is weak. Prof. Andi, who recently published a book titled Pappaseng dalam Elompugi, emphasized that cultivating a culture of reading and writing is vital for building a nation's civilization. "Our IPLM (Indonesian Language Proficiency Index) did rise to 73.52 in 2024, but the challenge of fostering a reading and writing culture remains significant," he explained.
As Vice Rector I, Prof. Andi proposed that university curricula should be built on values of integrity, social sensitivity, and national ethics. He advocates for experiential learning models as effective ways to shape students' character. "Lecturers must set an example of academic literacy," he insisted, underscoring the responsibility of educators in nurturing a literate society.
In closing, Prof. Andi shared a message for the younger generation: "Care for the Indonesian language, love knowledge, and build the nation through literacy. By doing so, we honor the spirit of Ki Hajar Dewantara and prepare for a Golden Indonesia." He concluded, "The Indonesian language is not just a tool for communication; it is a path to freedom of thought and knowledge independence."
Meanwhile, a seminar titled "Bahasa dan Persatuan Bangsa di Era Digital" (Language and National Unity in the Digital Era) was also held recently, focusing on the Indonesian language as a unifying tool amidst the country's rich cultural diversity. Participants, including teachers, students, and language preservation advocates, voiced the importance of the Indonesian language in fostering unity.
During discussions, it was revealed that the Indonesian language serves as a bridge for communication among the hundreds of regional languages spoken across the nation. A linguistics expert at the seminar stated, "The Indonesian language has proven to be a unifying force since the struggle for independence. It is the meeting point of hundreds of regional languages in the archipelago, born from a spirit of unity, not dominated by any particular culture."
Data from the national language agency indicates that there are over 700 active regional languages in Indonesia. However, more than 90 percent of the population uses Bahasa Indonesia in their daily lives, making it the primary means of communication in education, government, and digital media.
Participants at the seminar also addressed the challenges posed by digitalization and globalization, noting the rapid growth of digital media and global pop culture as new threats to the existence of the Indonesian language. A high school language teacher from Yogyakarta remarked, "We continuously encourage students to love the Indonesian language, not just to know its grammar, but to take pride in using it in daily life."
In light of these challenges, attendees proposed that the government should actively create creative campaigns promoting the use of Bahasa Indonesia among the youth through social media, short video content, and other digital platforms.
While the seminar focused on the Indonesian language, it also emphasized the importance of preserving regional languages as part of local identity. Regional languages are not seen as competitors but rather as complements to the richness of the national language. A student from South Sulawesi expressed, "We remain proud of our regional languages, but it is the Indonesian language that allows us to understand friends from various regions, like Papua, Sumatra, or Java. That is where its strength lies."
In addition to these educational initiatives, the Pemilihan Duta Bahasa (Language Ambassador Selection) for 2025 is now open, inviting young Indonesians aged 18-25 to participate. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the development, nurturing, and internationalization of the Indonesian language as well as the preservation of regional languages.
The registration deadline is set for May 9, 2025. The selection process will begin on May 11, with semi-finalists announced on May 14. Interviews will take place from May 15-18, and finalists will be revealed on May 23. A series of workshops and proposal presentations will follow, culminating in the final assessment and awarding of the Language Ambassador title on July 5-6, 2025.
As Indonesia moves forward, the emphasis on the Indonesian language as a cornerstone of national identity and unity remains crucial. The collective efforts of educators, students, and policymakers will play a vital role in ensuring that the language thrives in the digital age, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding among the diverse population.
