The recent recognition of Indonesian as an international language marks a pivotal milestone for its speakers and supporters worldwide. At the forefront of this campaign is Professor Dr. Gatut Susanto, who passionately advocates for the elevation of Bahasa Indonesia among the global languages, emphasizing its importance not only as a means of communication but as a language rich with knowledge, culture, and innovation.
Speaking at his official inauguration as a professor of BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Alian) management at Universitas Negeri Malang, Prof. Gatut implored fellow academics to shift their focus from writing predominantly in English to fostering pride and confidence in Indonesian. He stated, "If our academics keep writing in English, it’s as if we do not believe Indonesian can be a language of knowledge. Indonesian is not just a communication tool but also the language of knowledge, diplomacy, and civilization." This message resonates with the broader mission to embed Indonesian as a central actor on the international stage.
Historically, the momentum to position Indonesian as an international language began with the Kongres Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian Language Congress) held as early as 1926. Fast forward to the present, and Indonesian is currently taught across 54 countries, and recognized at prestigious institutions like leading universities in the United States, Australia, and Japan. This educational framework evolved through strategic policies such as Law No. 24 of 2009, which affirms the language's international significance and supports its teaching both domestically and internationally.
Prof. Susanto emphasized, "An international language is not just about the number of speakers, but how the language is present in global conversations." This notion is being realized through programs such as Darmasiswa RI and the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB), which promote the teaching of Indonesian and cultural exchange between nations. The Afiliasi Pengajar dan Pegiat BIPA (APPBIPA), with its numerous branches worldwide, works to create stronger networks for teaching Indonesian language, showcasing its adaptability and relevance.
The recent recognition of Indonesian as one of the official languages during the 2023 UNESCO General Assembly signals not only acceptance but also the potential for the language's role within significant global organizations such as the United Nations. This affirmation stems from years of advocacy and regulatory support, underscoring how language shapes discussions on diplomacy, culture, and education.
For practical applications, the spread of Bahasa Indonesia is illustrated through initiatives by students from Universitas Islam Raden Rahmat Malang. While participating in community service activities, students Azimatul Mahmudah and Riza Aulia found themselves teaching Indonesian at Bukit Pracha Upatham School during their overseas program. They reported positive reactions from students, noting, “The kids were enthusiastic and curious about the language.” Despite some challenges due to language barriers, they creatively incorporated gestures and visual aids to facilitate comprehension, demonstrating the adaptability of language instruction and its engagement with younger learners.
Through this hands-on teaching method, they introduced basic vocabulary associated with everyday life and family, laying foundational knowledge to cultivate interest. Mahmudah shared, "We hope this method becomes an inspiration for other students who serve abroad and share their culture through language.” The students stood as examples of how culture and language exchange can enrich educational experiences and cultivate global connections.
Overall, the future of the Indonesian language appears promising. With continued efforts and strategic supports both from regulatory frameworks and community involvement, Indonesian is positioned well to step forward as not only an integral language of culture but also as one of the global languages shaping international dialogue. Prof. Gatut succinctly remarked, "The key to success is not just regulation or academic programs, but also the collective awareness of the community. If we ourselves are not proud, how can we expect the world to respect it?" This clarion call invites all Indonesians to recognize their language's value and participate actively in this linguistic renaissance.