Atip Latipulhayat, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, said that using local languages as a medium of instruction would be more effective in preserving them, especially if introduced during the early years of primary education.
“Research has shown that delivering lessons in local languages is significantly more effective,” he said after attending the 2025 National Mother Language Festival (FTBIN) in Depok, West Java, on Monday.
He urged that the proposal be considered a strategic step to strengthen the use of regional languages by incorporating them into early childhood and primary education.
Echoing this view, Hafidz Muksin, Head of the Agency for Language Development and Cultivation, said the agency has revitalized 114 local languages and dialects across 38 provinces.
“Language extinction threats must be addressed wisely. One of the ways to protect and preserve regional languages is to promote their use among native speakers through revitalization programs,” Muksin said.
He noted that the agency’s revitalization efforts have included community-based initiatives, educational programs, and performing arts.
In 2024, the agency also recognized 44 regional heads for their successful efforts in revitalizing local languages.
FTBIN 2025, themed “Local Languages Support Quality Education for All,” is being held from May 25 to 28.
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Translator: Hana, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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