The Reasons Behind The Name Of The Multilingual Road In Bogor, Symbols Of Tolerance And Cultural Preservation

Illustration of street names in Bogor (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Street naming in Bogor Regency is now a concern because it looks unique and interesting, namely street name boards using three languages at once Indonesian, English, and Sundanese characters.

This initiative reflects Bogor's modern face while respecting local cultural wealth, making the city appear inclusive and educational for residents and tourists.

According to Dr. Agnes Setyowati, a social and cultural expert from Pakuan University, this step is not just an ornament of the city, but is a symbol of tolerance and wealth of regional cultural identity.

"Writing street names in several languages as well as helping preserve local languages, respecting our multicultural history, and strengthening the identity of regional culture," said Agnes in Bogor, as quoted by ANTARA.

The Bogor Regency Government, under the leadership of Regent Rudy Susmanto, has started to install street name boards in three languages at a number of points.

In addition, the street names were also taken from important national figures, such as Ipik Gandamana for the ring road of Pakansari Stadium, General Sudirman for the road from Pakansari Stadium to Roda Kandang, and Soekarno-Hatta for the road to the Pancakarsa Monument.

This step is considered to be able to add aesthetic and functional value to public spaces. In addition to making it easier for foreign tourists to get to know the location, the nameplate is also a means of public education regarding the importance of preserving culture and language.

Dr. Agnes explained, the use of Sundanese characters side by side with national and international languages shows that Bogor does not forget its traditional roots, although it continues to grow in the global environment. This, according to him, shows openness as well as pride in cultural identity.

"It's not just about language. It's a manifestation of the long history of the city that was once the center of colonial rule, has a strong local community, and is now open to the world," he added.

The existence of multilingual nameplates is also considered to support the cultural tourism sector. Street names that reflect ethnic, historical, and national figures provide added value for visitors who want to understand more about Bogor's local character and narrative.

According to Agnes, in the globalization era, cities that show multiculture and multilingual faces are considered more prepared to interact internationally, both in the context of tourism, education, and the economy. Bogor provides examples of how traditions and modernity can coexist," he said.

Apart from being part of cultural preservation, this multilingual nameplate also has an educational function. The community, especially the younger generation, can recognize Sundanese characters and appreciate the history behind these street names.

Dr. Agnes emphasized that through symbols such as street names, cities can build a collective narrative about identity, value of tolerance, and respect for cultural diversity. This diversity is not to be contested, but is celebrated as a power," he concluded.