"Mutual assistance continues to be offered in revitalizing regional languages to achieve the goal of the policies promoted by Kemendikbudristek," Kemendikbudristek's Secretary General Suharti noted here Thursday.
Kemendikbudristek's effort is preceded by a visit to Kemendagri's Office on Tuesday to align the steps in optimally implementing the Merdeka Belajar (Freedom in Learning) policy on the field.
The language revitalization effort by Kemendikbudristek is included in the 17th episode of the Merdeka Belajar Program unveiled since last year.
According to data from Kemendikbudristek, regional language revitalization has been conducted by 157 districts or cities in 13 provinces, and 39 regional languages had been revitalized.
According to Suharti, Kemendagri and regional governments play a crucial role in revitalizing regional languages.
Thus, consolidation with other stakeholders should be conducted continuously, so that more regional languages can be revitalized.
Head of the Language Agency E. Aminudin Aziz underlined that Kemendagri and Kemendikbudristek, as recipients of the mandate from the regulation on regional language protection, should synergize in implementing the Merdeka Belajar policy.
Meanwhile, Kemendagri's Secretary General Suhajar Diantoro gave special instructions and orders to echelon 1 and 2 officials to support the implementation of regional language revitalization.
This is done on account of the fact that it is the duty and responsibility of regional governments, both provincial and district or city governments, to provide support based on existing regulations.
This support comes from the assurance that the program is included within the regional government work plan, provision of budget support, and coordination through monitoring, as well as routine evaluation.
"Several regional languages that are almost extinct should certainly be rescued and that is our duty and responsibility," he emphasized.
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Translator: Astrid F H, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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