Campus-Government Collaboration Needed to Secure the Future of the Indonesian Language
Amid globalisation, which increasingly blurs boundaries between languages, safeguarding and strengthening the position of the Indonesian language requires the involvement of many parties. Language is not merely a tool for communication but also a space where knowledge, culture, and national identity continue to grow. Therefore, the development of the Indonesian language and literature cannot be the government’s task alone.
This spirit has driven the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, through its Language Development and Fostering Agency (Badan Bahasa), to forge partnerships with the academic world. The commitment was realised through a collaboration agreement with Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatra (UMSU) and Prima Indonesia University (UNPRI).
The collaboration is not just an administrative formality but a strategic step to broaden language and literary development through the role of universities as centres of education, research, and community service. Higher education institutions are considered to hold a vital position in strengthening the use of the Indonesian language while fostering a culture of literacy. Through their academic activities, universities can reach the wider community and deliver language programmes that are closely aligned with public needs.
Head of the Language Agency, Hafidz Muksin, stated that the synergy with universities reflects a shared spirit of participation in achieving quality and inclusive education. He emphasised that language serves a much broader role than just a means of communication; it is the foundation of learning, scientific development, and character building for the younger generation. He added that strengthening Indonesian must go hand in hand with preserving regional languages and mastering foreign languages.
Optimism about the future of the Indonesian language was also voiced by university leaders. UMSU Rector Akrim noted that the language’s growing number of speakers internationally signals its expanding global influence. He expressed confidence that Indonesian will gain an even stronger position in world affairs. This optimism is supported by UMSU’s experience in developing the Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Asing (BIPA) programme and the involvement of its lecturers in various countries.
Similarly, UNPRI’s Vice Rector I, Abdi Darma, said the partnership opens new opportunities to strengthen language programmes and supports the university’s international vision. He expressed hope that the collaboration would continue and deliver tangible benefits, particularly in prioritising the use of Indonesian on campus while also making BIPA a flagship programme.
The partnership between the Language Agency, UMSU, and UNPRI demonstrates that developing the Indonesian language and literature is a shared responsibility. When the government, universities, and the community move forward with a common spirit, the Indonesian language will not only grow stronger domestically but also have a greater chance of being recognised and used on the international stage.