TEMPO.CO, Surakarta - The Indonesian language is strongly linked to the nation’s identity. Secretary of the language development and management board at the Education and Culture Ministry, Muhajir, said the Indonesian language is not only used to communicate.
"It also reflects the love of the Indonesian nation," he said in his speech during a language learning seminar at Sebelas Maret University in Surakarta on Thursday.
Muhajir raised his concern over the development of the Indonesian language in border regions. He said thecommunities in border regions have begun to lose their language identity.
For example, in West Sumatra, they speak a mixture of Malay and Indonesian while in the eastern part of Indonesia, some speak Indonesian that is influenced by the Melanesian language.
In Riau, the people consider the Malay language to be on the same level as the Indonesian language despite the fact that the national language should be considered the best.
Muhajir said if this situation persists, border communities would lose their language and national identity. He is concerned that they will leave behind Indonesian culture and begin to follow the cultures of border nations.
Therefore, Muhajir has requested a program to strengthen and promote the use of the Indonesian language. For example, civil servants or civil servant candidates must have their Indonesian language tested. The government must also promote the national language to Indonesians who live overseas by teaching the language at Indonesian embassies and consulate generals across the world.
UKKY PRIMARTANTYO
