Education Ministry Partners with Universities to Elevate the Status of the Indonesian Language

The Language Development and Fostering Agency (Badan Bahasa) of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) is strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions to develop the Indonesian language and literature, ensuring the language becomes stronger at home and more recognised internationally. This commitment was realised through the signing of cooperation agreements with Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) and Universitas Prima Indonesia (UNPRI) as a strategic step to bring language and literature development closer to the community through the role of universities. Head of the Language Agency, Hafidz Muksin, stated in a written release in Jakarta on Friday that synergy with universities is a tangible form of universal participation in achieving quality education for all. “The document we have signed together between the Language Agency and UMSU embodies the commitment, collaboration, and synergy between Kemendikdasmen and universities in various fields, such as Indonesian for Foreign Speakers (BIPA), literacy improvement and strengthening, elevating the status of the language, and community service,” he said. According to him, besides being a centre for knowledge development, universities also have the ability to reach the community through education, research, and service. Therefore, the involvement of universities is an important part of expanding the impact of various language and literacy programmes run by the government. He added that language not only functions as a communication tool but also serves as the foundation for learning, knowledge development, and character building. Hence, the strengthening of the Indonesian language must go hand in hand with the preservation of regional languages and the mastery of foreign languages. “Through this collaboration, universities are expected to be able to create academic spaces that place language as the foundation for learning, knowledge development, and character building. Mastery of Indonesian, foreign languages, and regional languages needs to grow in a balanced manner within the higher education environment,” said Hafidz. The collaboration between the Language Agency, UMSU, and UNPRI demonstrates that the development of the Indonesian language and literature is a collective effort.