01.03.24
Celebrating International Mother Tongue Day 2024 in Indonesia: Supporting Local Languages Revitalisation
By Ince Dian Aprilyani Azir
Image Above: Ince and Dina with the staff of Regina Pacis School in Jakarta
On February 21st, the world celebrates International Mother Language Day. The United Nations has emphasised the significance of preserving languages as conduits for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. This year, under the theme “Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning,” Indonesia has a unique opportunity to showcase its commitment to preserving its linguistic heritage through a series of events called Revitalisations of Local Languages. In Indonesia, local languages are mostly seen as the mother tongues of diverse communities.
The Indonesian government, particularly through the Language Development and Fostering Agency under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, has been actively conducting some local language revitalisation since 2021. This year, the highlight of the series of Local Language Revitalisation activities is called the National Mother Tongue Festival (FTBIN) which will be held on May 3, 2024, and will be officially opened by the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology. This activity will be attended by all Heads of Education Services, Regents and Governors throughout Indonesia, and will be attended by all the winners of the seven Regional Language Revitalisation activity competitions.
Image Above: Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim
On the International Mother Language Day, Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim, posted some Balinese words on his social media. He announced some significant progress in local language revitalisation efforts. Balinese is among 72 regional languages that have been revitalised since 2022, marking a significant milestone in preserving Indonesia’s linguistic diversity. Makarim’s commitment to revitalising 92 languages this year underscores Indonesia’s dedication to preserving and promoting its linguistic heritage.
Image Above: Happy International Mother Language Day wishes in some Local Languages in Indonesia posted on Minister’s Social Media ©Instagram @nadiemmakarim
His wife, Franka Nadiem Makarim, the Ambassador of Indonesian Mother Tongues celebrated the International Mother Tongue Day in Bandung. She emphasised the role of the family to speak local languages at home as key to strengthen linguistic diversity. She invited all stakeholders to preserve mother tongues. She thanked local governments, schools, communities, cultural actors and society who have contributed to revitalization of various mother tongues in Indonesia. In order to optimise the revitalisation of local languages efforts need to be made to attract younger generations to use local languages in creative ways.
Image Above: Franka Nadiem Makarim said Happy International Mother Tongue Day, Happy Celebrating Indonesia’s Language Diversity
To address these challenges, various initiatives based on Healthy Linguistic Diet can be undertaken to preserve Indonesia’s linguistic diversity. These may include organising language festivals showcasing the beauty of different languages, promoting multilingual education in schools, and fostering cross-cultural exchange programs. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of preserving local languages through media campaigns, workshops and seminars can further reinforce Indonesia’s commitment to linguistic diversity.
Image Above: Trigatra (Prioritize Indonesian language, preserve local languages, and master foreign languages) campaign by Language Development and Fostering Agency of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Republic of Indonesia ©Instagram Badan Bahasa Kemendikbud
As assigned by Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Republic of Indonesia, I am currently doing my doctorate at UCL funded by the Ministry of Finance, Republic of Indonesia. My principle supervisor is Dr Dina Mehmedbegovic-Smith and my vision is to make a significant contribution to supporting linguistic diversity in Indonesia through Healthy Linguistic Diet concept. It supports the campaign of Trigatra (Prioritize Indonesian language, preserve local languages, and master foreign languages) which is promoted by the Language Development and Fostering Agency under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Republic of Indonesia. I am looking forward to formulating Healthy Linguistic Diet as the language policy for strengthening linguistic heritage in my country.
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