Governor Surjadi declares war against foreign names

Governor Surjadi declares war against foreign names

JAKARTA (JP): The government has called for the eradication of foreign names from all main roads in the city by Aug. 17, the 50th anniversary of the country's Independence Day.

All owners and operators of buildings as well as businesses have been asked to change the foreign names of their buildings, offices and business centers to Bahasa Indonesia.

Governor Surjadi Soedirdja, told reporters that city authorities need active participation from the public and businesses to bring the plan into reality.

"We have to be proud of our own language. It's now time to improve our own identity as a nation," the governor said after a meeting with Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman at the City Hall.

"If we still use other languages, it means that we still feel inferior," the governor said.

Surjadi explained that city administration issued Regional Regulation No.1 in 1992 regarding the proper use of Bahasa Indonesia on billboards and names of office buildings and business centers.

On May 20 President Soeharto is scheduled to launch a nationwide campaign on the proper use of the Bahasa Indonesia.

"This launching means that city administration gets strong support in its drive to promote the correct use of our language," the governor said. (bsr)