In an age where globalization is increasingly influential, the preservation of Bahasa Indonesia and local languages in Indonesia has become a pressing concern. Recent discussions among educators and cultural ambassadors highlight the challenges faced in maintaining linguistic integrity amidst the rising dominance of foreign languages, particularly English.
On May 4, 2025, an article published on Kumparan emphasized the significance of preserving the authenticity of Bahasa Indonesia, noting the growing prevalence of foreign words in daily conversations, media, and education. The author pointed out that globalization has made foreign languages more accessible, leading to the integration of terms like "download," "upload," and "gadget" into everyday language. However, it is crucial to filter these foreign influences to maintain the unique characteristics of Bahasa Indonesia.
"Bahasa Indonesia is not just a means of communication but also embodies the cultural values and history of the nation," the article stated, highlighting words like "gotong royong" (mutual cooperation), "semboyan" (motto), and "musyawarah" (deliberation), which reflect Indonesia's communal spirit and democratic principles. The concern is that excessive foreign language use could dilute the depth of meaning inherent in Bahasa Indonesia.
The article also addressed the challenges faced in the educational sector, where English is often used as the primary language of instruction, particularly at the higher education level. This trend has led to a perception that Bahasa Indonesia is less capable of conveying modern scientific knowledge. To counter this, the author suggested creating Indonesian equivalents for scientific terms, such as translating "entrepreneurship" into "wirausaha" and "technology" into "teknologi." This effort is essential to ensure that Bahasa Indonesia remains relevant and capable of expressing contemporary concepts.
In a related discussion, Kanidya Christandira Tuhumury, the Language Ambassador for Maluku Province, addressed the challenges of preserving local languages during an event on April 28, 2025. She noted that the younger generation in Maluku faces significant hurdles in maintaining their local dialects, with many opting for Bahasa Indonesia or English, especially in digital spaces like social media. "Local languages are losing their place in homes and social environments," Kanidya lamented, emphasizing the need for young people to take pride in their linguistic heritage.
Kanidya's advocacy includes social media campaigns, literacy activities, and collaborations with cultural communities to encourage the use of local languages. She stressed the importance of family and educational institutions in instilling values of language preservation from an early age. "If we, the youth, don’t take responsibility, who will? Local languages are not just tools of communication; they are bridges to preserving local values and ancestral wisdom," she passionately stated.
Meanwhile, on May 2, 2025, the Balai Bahasa Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) held a meeting with Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal to discuss sustainable language and literary programs. Dwi Pratiwi, the head of Balai Bahasa NTB, outlined four priority programs aimed at enhancing literacy skills, dignifying Bahasa Indonesia, protecting regional languages, and internationalizing Bahasa Indonesia through teaching it to foreign speakers (BIPA). This initiative aims to elevate the status of Bahasa Indonesia and ensure its continued relevance in both national and international contexts.
During this meeting, a national declaration on the dignification of Bahasa Indonesia was launched on April 25, 2025, by the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, alongside the Minister of Home Affairs and other stakeholders. The hope is that NTB can lead the way in dignifying Bahasa Indonesia, with plans for further collaboration among local governments to implement effective language programs.
Governor Iqbal expressed his support for these initiatives, mentioning a volunteer program for foreign tourists in Lombok designed to introduce local values through language and culture. He also emphasized the importance of the Indonesian Language Proficiency Test (UKBI) and the strengthening of BIPA, which he previously advocated during his tenure as Indonesia's ambassador to Turkey.
In a further demonstration of commitment to language education, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) organized various activities in Purbalingga, Central Java, on May 5, 2025, in celebration of National Education Day (Hardiknas). Hafidz Muksin, the head of the Language Development and Cultivation Agency, announced the launch of the School Revitalization Program during his visit to TK Pertiwi I Serang, one of the schools benefiting from this initiative.
Hafidz emphasized that quality education can only be achieved with a supportive learning environment. As a symbolic gesture, he presented a project helmet to a school representative and distributed literacy materials, including children's reading books and Bebe dolls as icons of the literacy program. He also introduced the "7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children" policy, which promotes healthy lifestyle choices among students.
Moreover, Hafidz shared information about the new guidelines for supervising the use of Bahasa Indonesia in schools, reflecting the spirit of Trigatra Bangun Bahasa, which underscores the significance of using good and correct Bahasa Indonesia, preserving local languages, and mastering foreign languages.
In light of these initiatives, the collective efforts of language ambassadors, educational institutions, and government bodies aim to foster a greater appreciation for Bahasa Indonesia and local dialects. As the younger generation navigates the complexities of a globalized world, their active participation in preserving their linguistic heritage is crucial.
In conclusion, the ongoing dialogue surrounding the preservation of Bahasa Indonesia and local languages illustrates a collective commitment to cultural identity in the face of globalization. By embracing their linguistic heritage, the younger generation can ensure that these languages not only survive but thrive in the modern world.
