Not Enough to Be Preserved, Regional Languages Need to Be Actively Revitalized
JAKARTA - Efforts to maintain the diversity of Indonesian culture cannot be separated from the role of regional languages as a living identity in the community.
In the midst of globalization and the dominance of national and foreign languages, the existence of regional languages faces serious challenges. Therefore, concrete and sustainable steps are needed so that regional languages remain sustainable and relevant for today's generation.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said that the Regional Language Bill (RUU) is one of the government's priorities in protecting and developing regional languages so that they remain as an important part of the nation's identity.
"Regional languages are not just a means of communication, but are the foundation of cultural resilience and national identity. Therefore, the state must ensure that regional languages are not only protected, but also continue to be used, developed, utilized, and passed on between generations," said Fadli Zon.
In a meeting with the Indonesian Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), he emphasized that regional languages have a very fundamental role in strengthening national cultural resilience.
According to him, the approach to regional languages is not enough to focus only on passive preservation. There needs to be more active revitalization steps, such as including regional languages in the education system, utilizing digital technology, and encouraging young people to produce creative content based on local languages.
Fadli also highlighted the importance of data-based policies through the Regional Cultural Mastermind (PPKD) document as a basis for formulating policies at the regional level.
"PPKD is not just an administrative document, but it becomes the basis for making cultural decisions based on factual conditions in the field. From there we can ensure that the policies taken really answer the needs of the community," he added.
The Chairman of the Indonesian DPD, Filep Wamafma, assessed that the substance in the Regional Language Bill still needs to be strengthened so that it can have a real impact on the region.
"We hope that what has been conveyed can continue to be monitored so that this Regional Language Bill can really answer the needs in the region," he said.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Papua Province, David Harold Warumi, emphasized the importance of protecting regional languages as part of the national identity that must not be ignored.
"Indonesia is known as a nation rich in cultural and linguistic diversity. Regional languages are the identity and heritage of the nation that must be maintained and preserved. Therefore, we hope that there will be institutional strengthening, including the addition of language centers in the Papua region," he said.
From Jambi Province, Abu Bakar Jamalia also expressed his support for the strategic steps of the Ministry of Culture, especially in maintaining the sustainability of regional arts and culture.
He also conveyed his readiness to collaborate in socializing various cultural programs at the regional level.