On Thursday, April 10, 2025, Dr. Fajar Riza Ul Haq, the Vice Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, signed the Trigatra Bangun Bahasa commitment at the 3 Language School Putera Harapan in Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency. This initiative aims to prioritize the Indonesian language, preserve regional languages, and master foreign languages, reflecting a broader educational strategy in Indonesia.
During a working visit, Fajar emphasized the importance of this commitment, stating, "The commitment is a manifestation of prioritizing Indonesian at the 3 Language School Putera Harapan." He underscored that fostering a strong national identity through language is essential in today’s globalized world.
As part of his visit, Fajar toured several educational institutions, including SD Negeri 1 Kranji and SMP Negeri 8 Purwokerto, before arriving at the 3 Language School Putera Harapan. His agenda included presenting books and magazines published by the Central Java Province Language Center to students, which supports the national literacy movement.
In addition to signing the commitment, Fajar inaugurated a Mandarin Language Center at the school. This new center is particularly significant given the increasing economic and technological influence of East Asia, especially China. Fajar remarked, "Mastering Mandarin will be an important asset for Indonesia's youth, considering the rapid growth of economic and technological influence from Asian countries, particularly China. Therefore, understanding Mandarin will accelerate national economic development and open up great opportunities for Indonesian students in the future."
Yudi Sutanto, the Head of the Putera Harapan Banyumas Foundation and the Head of the Indonesian 3 Language School Association (Perstibi), also spoke about the integration of Mandarin into the school's curriculum. He noted that the school is committed to upholding the values of diversity and Indonesian character while teaching Mandarin. "More than just mastering Mandarin, the school is also committed to instilling a spirit of tolerance, love for the homeland, and the preservation of Javanese culture, which is their root," Yudi stated.
This commitment to language education reflects a growing recognition of the importance of bilingualism and multilingualism in Indonesia. The Trigatra Bangun Bahasa initiative not only enhances students' linguistic skills but also prepares them for a competitive global environment.
As Indonesia continues to evolve in the face of global challenges, such initiatives are vital in ensuring that the nation's youth are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive. The integration of foreign languages into the educational framework is seen as a strategic move to align with the country's economic goals and cultural heritage.
The Vice Minister's efforts are part of a larger movement within the Indonesian government to enhance the quality of education and promote linguistic diversity. By prioritizing the Indonesian language while also embracing foreign languages, the government aims to create a well-rounded educational system that nurtures both national pride and global competitiveness.
In conclusion, the signing of the Trigatra Bangun Bahasa commitment at the 3 Language School Putera Harapan marks a significant step towards fostering a multilingual educational environment in Indonesia. This initiative not only highlights the importance of the Indonesian language but also recognizes the value of regional languages and foreign languages in preparing students for the future.
