This good initiative needs to be further supported to consider and elevate the position of the Javanese script in the world's linguistic ecosystemYogyakarta (ANTARA) - Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim supports the digitization of Javanese characters to elevate the script to be imbibed into the world's linguistic ecosystem.
"This good initiative needs to be further supported to consider and elevate the position of the Javanese script in the world's linguistic ecosystem," Makarim noted while delivering a speech at the 1st Javanese Script Congress held offline and online here on Monday.
Makarim affirmed that by applying digital technology, the local culture would be able to gain recognition in the midst of global developments that necessitate modernity.
The minister highlighted the importance of ensuring the survival of the Javanese script in the world's language ecosystem currently dominated by the Latin script.
Swift developments in information technology had also generally confirmed this dominance, thereby resulting in Javanese characters being ignored. It is apparent from the use of Latin characters in some application platforms.
"The Javanese script struggles to survive in the midst of the everyday use of Latin script by us," the minister stated.
Hence, the conservation of local culture by utilizing digital technology is one of the strategies to promote and prioritize culture that must be utilized by the Education and Culture Ministry.
"We welcome the Javanese Script Congress, one of which discusses the strategy of integrating Javanese characters into a digital platform," he stated.
In the meantime, Chairperson of the 1st Javanese Script Congress Committee Setyo Prasojo noted that the congress, to be held until March 26, 2021, will discuss various aspects, including the transliteration of Javanese-Latin characters, writing system, digitization, and policies for their use in the public domain.
Prasojo remarked that four aspects will be discussed at the commission meeting. Each commission is attended by 20 offline participants and 180 online participants.
Before the congress, focus group discussions were held involving stakeholders, academics, and experts.
Various parties attending the Javanese Script Congress comprised government representatives and experts and participants from Central Java, East Java, Bali, Banten, DKI Jakarta, and Hong Kong.
EDITED BY INE
Related news: Early marriage deprives children access to quality education: minister
Related news: Minister issues circular on abolishing national and school exams
Translator: Luqman Hakim, Katriana
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
