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Government banks on students to preserve Indonesia’s native languages
Several regional languages in Indonesia, particularly in the eastern parts, including West Papua, Maluku and North Maluku, are on the brink of extinction. The data reveal that 11 local languages have disappeared and 26 more are currently endangered.
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Literacy promotion: Elementary school students participate in a coloring contest at a literacy festival and book fair on Feb. 18 in Padalarang, West Bandung Regency. (Antara/Abdan Syakura)
W
ith dozens of regional languages in the country at risk of disappearing, the government is ramping up efforts to preserve linguistic heritage through revitalization programs, placing students at the forefront of safeguarding their mother tongues.
According to data from the Elementary and Secondary Education Ministry's Language Development Agency, the country is home to 718 regional languages and 778 dialects. However, several languages, particularly in the eastern regions, including West Papua, Maluku and North Maluku, are on the brink of extinction. The data reveal that 11 native languages have already disappeared, and 26 more are currently endangered.
"Regional languages are the foundation of our national language. Yet over time, they have been neglected,” said second deputy schools minister Atip Latipulhayat at a recent talk show in Jakarta to mark International Mother Language Day.
“We must take action to preserve them. Not only because they define our identity, but also because they are symbols of cultural heritage for their speakers.”
In an attempt to protect linguistic diversity, the government is set to revitalize 120 native languages in 2025 through the regional language revitalization program.
Launched in 2021, the program began in West Java, Central Java and South Sulawesi as a pilot project. As of last year, it has expanded to all provinces, covering a total of 144 languages.
“This is an effort we hope will continue to grow,” said Hafidz Mukhsin, head of the language development agency. “The revitalization effort is not focused on older speakers but on school-age children, particularly those in elementary and middle school.”
