Education Ministry strengthens language diplomacy through Handai Indonesia
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) is strengthening language diplomacy and the internationalisation of the Indonesian language through education by holding the 2026 Handai Indonesia Festival.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti said the Handai Indonesia Festival serves as an appreciation event for ‘handai Indonesia’ — foreign nationals who are able to speak Indonesian and understand the civilisation, society and culture of Indonesia.
“This festival is a competitive form of appreciation, so that Handai Indonesia, whether residing in Indonesia or abroad, have a platform and opportunity to showcase their Indonesian language learning outcomes with full confidence and pride, whatever their proficiency level,” said Minister Mu’ti at the opening of the Handai Indonesia Appreciation event at Plaza Insan Berprestasi, Building A of Kemendikdasmen, Central Jakarta, on Friday.
“Some may ask why we named it ‘Handai’. In the sixth edition of the Great Dictionary of the Indonesian Language, ‘Handai’ means friend, companion,” he added.
According to him, the Indonesian Government does not use the terms ‘partner’ or ‘stakeholder’, because the relationship built with Indonesian language learners around the world is not transactional in nature.
He said the Handai Indonesia play an important role in introducing Indonesia to the international community through their language skills as well as their understanding of Indonesian life and culture.
“You are friendship ambassadors who carry Indonesia to all corners of the world,” said the Minister.
On the same occasion, Head of the Language Development and Fostering Agency (Badan Bahasa) of Kemendikdasmen, Hafidz Muksin, said the festival encompasses two important activities: presenting awards to the best participants of the 2026 Handai Indonesia Festival and closing the Indonesian Language Class for Diplomats of Friendly Countries.
“The Indonesian Language Class for Diplomats of Friendly Countries programme facilitates Indonesian language learning for ambassadors, diplomats and representatives of international organisations based in Jakarta,” said Hafidz.
He noted that the class ran from 15 September 2025 to 31 May 2026, both offline and online, consisting of two programmes: a 50-hour learning programme and a 100-hour learning programme.
The class initially attracted 181 registrants from 67 friendly country representatives and international organisations.
Of those 181 people, Hafidz said, 63 participants completed the 50-hour programme and 42 participants completed the 100-hour programme.
“We extend our gratitude and high appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly the Directorate General of Information and Public Diplomacy through the Directorate of Public Diplomacy, the Education and Training Centre, and Indonesian Representatives abroad,” said Hafidz.