Striving For Indonesian To Be an International Language

Photo by Adam Novianto on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The government is encouraged to continue striving for Indonesian to be recognized as an international language. As a treasure trove of cultural heritage, the Indonesian language must be known to the world.

Indonesia has proposed that Indonesian be recognized by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a world language. With recognition from UNESCO, Indonesian can be used in sessions at the United Nations (UN).

"This struggle requires seriousness and commitment from the government to continue to promote and protect the Indonesian language as one of our cultural treasures," said DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, Monday, June 26.

"Recognition from UNESCO will provide clearer legal force and support the development and preservation of the Indonesian language as an important part of global cultural diversity," continued Puan.

Indonesia itself has a target to make Indonesian, or what is known as 'Bahasa', an international language in 2045. This target is based on the results of the XI Indonesian Language Congress in 2018.

"Indonesian is a tool that unites, strengthens, and respects the diversity that exists in the country," explained Puan.

Therefore, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture is of the opinion that it is appropriate for the Indonesian language to be recognized by UNESCO. Moreover, said Puan, language has become a strong communication base for more than 270 million Indonesians from Sabang to Merauke.

"This recognition does not only involve one country but represents global recognition of the importance of unity, inclusion, and justice in the world community," she said.

It is known that more than 45 countries in the world teach Indonesian on five continents. In addition, more than 300 world institutions teach Indonesian.

Indonesian is also used by other countries such as Timor Leste, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, parts of the Philippines, and Thailand with a variety of different dialects. Not only that but Indonesia is also included in the 20 countries with good economic and political stability.

"Indonesian, with its rich vocabulary, beautiful grammatical structure, and soft sound, is ready to build a strong bridge of communication between various countries and cultures," said Puan.

On the other hand, it is important that the Indonesian language is increasingly promoted given the current incessant use of foreign languages, especially by the younger generation of Indonesia. According to Puan, young Indonesians need to be reminded how important it is to maintain the original Indonesian language and make it an effective communication tool.

"The younger generation has an important role in preserving Indonesian. They are heirs to our culture, and by promoting Indonesian, they not only strengthen national identity, but also broaden their horizons of knowledge and understanding," said Bung Karno's granddaughter.

Based on Kompas R&D data, as many as 269 million people in Southeast Asia speak Indonesian. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology also stated that there were 143 thousand active Indonesian language learners and foreign speakers who showed a high interest in foreigners learning Indonesian.

The number of Indonesian speakers in Indonesia is estimated to be as many as 269 million people. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, it reached 5.2 million people, and in other countries no less than 4 million people.

The Indonesian language is also developing and being studied in a number of countries such as Australia, Japan, China, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Indonesian is also considered to be a unifying language, at least for the Southeast Asian region.

“The opportunity for internationalization of Indonesian is very high. We have to take advantage of this,” Puan said.

Puan reminded that the improvement of Indonesian to become an international language is also in accordance with the mandate of Law Number 24 of 2009 concerning Flags, Languages, State Symbols, and the National Anthem.

This is also stated in the directives of Government Regulation Number 57 of 2014 concerning the Development Fostering and Protection of Language and Literature and the Enhancement of the Functions of the Indonesian Language.

"In fighting for Indonesian to become an international language, it must be carried out in stages, systematically and continuously. So that in 2045 our dream of making Indonesia a golden generation can be realized by improving our language," said Puan.

Furthermore, the winner of 2 Doctor Honoris Causa degrees told about the role of the first Indonesian President, Ir. Soekarno or Bung Karno in his struggle so that Indonesia could join the United Nations. Puan assessed that Bung Karno's enthusiasm could become an asset for the Indonesian people in fighting for the language to be recognized as an international language.

"By persistent diplomatic efforts, Bung Karno fought for Indonesia's membership in the United Nations, even though there were many challenges and obstacles that had to be faced," she said.

In addition, Bung Karno also played an active role in efforts to mediate international conflicts that occurred in various parts of the world. The man who is nicknamed the Very Dawn's Son also uses his influence to help countries that are facing conflict and peace efforts.

"Bung Karno is a dedicated figure in carrying out his role as a global statesman, bringing Indonesia's voice to the international world, and fighting for universal human values," explained Puan.

"We have to bring this spirit in fighting for Indonesian to become a world language," she concluded.