Indonesia's Regional Languages Are Almost Extinct: Are We Losing Our Identity?
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| Source: Source jejaknesia.com |
www.jejaknesia.com - Indonesia is known as the largest archipelagic country in the world, holding millions of charms, from nature, culture, to language. Behind the beauty of beaches, mountains, and captivating traditions, there is a treasure often overlooked: the diversity of regional languages. With more than 700 recorded regional languages, Indonesia seems like a grand stage where various dialects, accents, and vocabularies dance together, creating a unique harmony.
Regional Languages as National Identity
Language is not merely a tool for communication but also an identity and a reflection of culture. In each region, language gives rise to distinctive expressions that not only convey messages but also express the community's worldview.
Take for example Javanese language with its philosophy of life filled with etiquette, or Minangkabau language rich in profound proverbs. Each language holds moral values and wisdom passed down through generations.
Challenges in the Modern Era
However, behind this pride lies a growing challenge. Globalization and modernization make the younger generation more familiar with Indonesian and even foreign languages, while regional languages slowly fade. Many children are no longer able to speak their ancestral languages. This phenomenon is concerning, as the loss of language means the loss of local knowledge and cultural identity.
Shift in Values and Practicality of the National Language
Indonesian as the language of unity is indeed very important, but in practice, it often replaces regional languages in daily life. In big cities, conversations in local languages are rare except during formal cultural events.
Pressure from Media and Technology
Social media, television, and digital platforms more often use Indonesian or English. As a result, children grow up without natural exposure to regional languages. Unconsciously, this becomes a major factor accelerating the loss of local languages.
The Importance of Preserving Regional Languages
If regional languages disappear, we not only lose words but also local wisdom. Languages store knowledge about nature, traditional medicine, lifestyles, and irreplaceable philosophies. For example, local terms for plants or traditional remedies not known in other languages.
Regional Languages and Education
Integrating regional languages into elementary school curricula can be an important step. Children can learn their mother tongue from an early age, allowing them to recognize their cultural identity before being swept away by globalization.
Regional Languages in the Digital World
The digital era can actually be an opportunity. With social media, video content, and applications, regional languages can revive if used creatively. Imagine animated series, children's songs, or online games using local languages. These are not only entertainment but also tools for preservation.
Existing Preservation Efforts
Some institutions and communities have already started taking action. UNESCO has even listed several Indonesian regional languages as endangered. The government, through the Ministry of Education and Culture, also strives to conduct national language data collection. However, these efforts are certainly insufficient without public support.
Community and Family Role
Language preservation cannot rely solely on the government. Parents play a crucial role in introducing the mother tongue to their children. Using regional languages at home is the simplest yet effective form of preservation.
Diversity That Should Be a Source of Pride
Latest Data on Regional Languages in Indonesia (Kemendikbudristek 2024–2025)
Based on official data from Badan Bahasa Kemendikbudristek, out of a total of approximately 718 regional languages in Indonesia, their vitality is categorized as follows:
| Language Status | Number | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extinct | 11 | Languages with no active speakers. | Tandia (West Papua), Mawes (Papua), Kajeli/Kayeli & Piru (Maluku), Ternateno (North Maluku). |
| Critical | 5 | Very few speakers, mostly elderly. | Dusner (West Papua), Hukumina (Maluku), etc. |
| Endangered | 25 | Speakers exist but are not passing it on to younger generations. | Ponosakan (North Sulawesi), Tambora (NTB), Moksela (Maluku). |
| Declining | 3 | Still in use, but the number of speakers continues to decrease. | Mapia (Papua), Iha Podgin (West Papua). |
| Vulnerable | 19 | Still used across generations, but relatively few speakers. | Dayak Kayaan (Kalimantan), Rongga (NTT). |
| Safe | 24 | Well transmitted between generations and still strong. | Javanese, Sundanese, Minangkabau, Bugis, Balinese. |
| Not Monitored | ≈634 | Still used, but vitality intensity has not been mapped. | - |
Source: Language Development and Fostering Agency (Kemendikbudristek, 2024), ANTARA, DetikEdu.
Regional languages are not merely a legacy of the past but a bridge to the future. If we can preserve them, future generations will still have a strong identity and pride as part of a culturally rich nation. Do not let these languages become only a record in history books. Let us revive, use, and pass them on.
Regional language diversity is an invaluable treasure. Do not let it become a forgotten wealth.
References
- UNESCO. (2023). Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.
- Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. (2022). Data on Regional Languages in Indonesia.
- Simanjuntak, B. (2021). Language and Cultural Identity of Nusantara. Jakarta: Pustaka Nusantara.
- Kompas National News. (2024). "Regional Languages Start to Be Marginalized in the Digital Era".
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