JakartaPost-March 2, 2025
Several regional languages in Indonesia, particularly in the eastern parts, including West Papua, Maluku and North Maluku, are on the brink of extinction. The data reveal that 11 local languages have disappeared and 26 more are currently endangered. With dozens of regional languages in the country at risk of disappearing, the government is ramping up efforts to preserve linguistic heritage through revitalization programs, placing students at the forefront of safeguarding their mother tongues. According to data from the Elementary and Secondary Education Ministry’s Language Development Agency, the country is home to 718 regional languages and 778 dialects. However, several languages, particularly in the eastern regions, including West Papua, Maluku and North Maluku, are on the brink of extinction. The data reveal that 11 native languages have already disappeared, and 26 more are currently endangered. “Regional languages are the foundation of our national language. Yet over time, they have been neglected,” said second deputy schools minister Atip Latipulhayat at a recent talk show in Jakarta to mark International Mother Language Day. “We must take action to preserve them. Not only because they define our identity, but also because they are symbols of cultural heritage for their speakers.” In an attempt to protect linguistic diversity, the government is set to revitalize 120 native languages in 2025 through the regional language revitalization program. Launched in 2021, the program began in West Java, Central Java and South Sulawesi as a pilot project. As of last year, it has expanded to all provinces, covering a total of 144 languages. he government has developed a five-year roadmap to preserve linguistic heritage. The plan includes focusing on mother tongue-based education through a multilingual curriculum, as well as using digital platforms such as social media and podcasts to promote local languages among young people. Read more at: https://www.thejakartapost.com/culture/2025/03/02/government-banks-on-students-to-preserve-indonesias-native-languages.html.
