TEMPO.CO, Surakarta - Bahasa mastery in Indonesia is highly related to national identity and not merely serving as a means of communication. Secretary of Language Development and Management at the Education and Culture Ministry, Muhajir mentioned that Bahasa mastery can also express nationalism.

However, he stated his concern that Bahasa Indonesia in the state border areas began to fade away. In West Sumatra, he said a mix between Bahasa and Melayu language began to appear. "In the Eastern part of Indonesia, Bahasa Indonesia started to get affected with Melanesian," he said.

The phenomenon can eventually wipe out national identity. He mentioned that Indonesians will start leaving its true culture and adopt others. Therefore, he requested Bahasa Indonesia enforcement in a form of language test, especially for the Civil Servant.

Muhajir supported Bahasa Indonesia introduction to other cultures, such as administering Bahasa Class at the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate abroad.

UKKY PRIMARTANTYO