Indonesian Is The Official Language Of The United Nations, Puan: Don't Be Embarrassed To Preserve When Abroad

Photo: BPMI Setpres

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, welcomed the determination of Indonesian as the official language at the UNESCO General Assembly. Puan was proud of this achievement.

"The appointment of Indonesian as one of the official UN languages strengthens the nation's identity and shows global appreciation for Indonesia. This is a matter of pride for me personally and for the DPR institution," said Puan, Tuesday, November 21.

It is known, Indonesian language was decided to become the official language at the UNESCO general conference. The decision was marked by the adoption of Resolution 42 C/28 consensus in the 42nd Plenary Session of UNESCO's 42nd General Conference on November 20, 2023 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

Indonesian is the 10th language recognized as the official language of the UNESCO General Conference, in addition to other official UN languages namely English, Arabic, Mandarin, French, Spanish, and Russian. Then Hindi, Italian, and Portuguese.

Puan assessed that the achievement of Indonesian language on the international stage is a matter of pride for the Indonesian people. According to him, this is the initial gateway for Indonesia to be increasingly known in the world.

"This is a matter of pride for all of us, the nation and the people of Indonesia. Our country is a big country that is starting to establish a real identity on the world stage," said Puan.

"Moreover, this determination did not take long with the National Language Month which is commemorated every October, of course, the success of Indonesian is an official language recognized by the UNESCO General Conference as a gift for the Indonesian people," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan also expressed her hope that the recognition of Indonesian as the official UN language would be used as a momentum to increase the development and progress of the Indonesian language, both at home and abroad.

"So our young generation must be proud, must preserve our language at home even when visiting abroad. Never be ashamed to preserve our mother's language," explained Puan.

On the other hand, Bung Karno's grandson considered that this achievement reflected achievements that made Indonesia proud in the world arena. According to Puan, this success will increase Indonesia's role in various international forums.

"Since the Youth Pledge, we as the nation's shoot have always prioritized the language of one, Indonesian. And now Indonesian has become an international language. This is a new historical point for the advancement of motherland," said the first woman to serve as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives.

Puan also appreciated the efforts made by the Government, especially the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) through the Language Development and Development Agency which continues to fight for Indonesian to become an international language, especially as the official language of the UNESCO General Assembly.

"Of course this is our common success, and thanks to the struggle of all elements of the nation supported by the people. This success brings the message that with mutual cooperation, we can achieve success," said Puan.

Furthermore, Puan emphasized the importance of cooperation between nations in supporting languages as a unifying tool and extension of diplomacy.

"Language is the identity of a nation and a country, so he admits that Indonesian is an international language, making our country also a country that is taken into account by the world," he explained.

"So it is our common task and responsibility to love, appreciate, and promote Indonesian language so that it is increasingly known globally," concluded Puan.