"This (the preservation) is part of our tasks because regional languages are a cultural asset of Indonesia that must be preserved," he said at a discussion event here on Thursday.
According to him, regional languages are not merely a medium of communication but also a tool to instill good manners and noble character, citing speech levels in the Javanese language.
"When we use Javanese correctly and properly, it already reflects how good manners become an inherent part of family life and community life," he said.
To this end, he hoped that the community could use both the Indonesian language and regional languages consistently as a way to preserve them.
"This is our way of preserving regional languages as a valuable asset and also as a part of the culture that we must preserve together," he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Imam Budi Utomo, the Head of the Center for Language and Literature Development of the Language Development and Cultivation Agency, stated that the agency continues to make efforts to preserve regional languages.
Particularly in Central Java, the province's language center has developed the Javanese Terminology List, which can be accessed by students and teachers for learning at schools.
As for literacy improvement, he affirmed that the agency has taken various initiatives targeting students and teachers.
He noted that in 2025, at least 120 Javanese-Indonesian bilingual children's storybooks had been selected in the translation program to support the enrichment of literacy materials.
"The community can access them for free by submitting a request or accessing our library website," he said.
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Translator: Zuhdiar Laeis, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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