"The language ambassadors can help the North Sumatra provincial government in increasing literacy in the community," Rahmayadi said here on Saturday.
He expressed the hope that the language ambassadors will contribute to the preservation of local languages and mastery of foreign languages.
According to him, the North Sumatran society is heterogeneous and has many local languages that need to be preserved.
"Being ambassadors means representing North Sumatra there. An ambassador must show a polite and decisive attitude. This is the character of the province, give the best for North Sumatra," the governor said.
The finalists at the province level will take part in the national-level 2023 Language Ambassador selection in Jakarta.
The two finalists from North Sumatra are M. Denny Effendy Tambusay from Langkat and Windy Niskya Rahmi Harefa from Gunungsitoli.
The head of the North Sumatra Provincial Language Agency (BBPSU), Hidayat Widiyanto, thanked the governor for his support for the finalists.
"This Language Ambassador Program aims to develop, protect, and foster languages in North Sumatra," Widiyanto said.
The finalists' participation at the national-level competition could help the North Sumatra provincial government's programs related to language and literature, he added.
Since 2006, the Language Development and Fostering Agency (Badan Bahasa) has organized the National Language Ambassador Selection Program.
The implementation of the activity is aimed at selecting language ambassadors who can promote the prioritization and appreciation of Indonesian and local languages and literature.
The program also aims to strengthen the network of language ambassadors from all over Indonesia.
To support these goals, language ambassadors are involved in the Language Agency's activities as implementers, moderators, MCs, or participants.
Related news: National Library intensifies collaboration for literacy development
Related news: Reading culture vital to boost development: National Library
Related news: Digital literacy protects women from dangers of cyberspace: Minister
Translator: Anggi P, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
