Hip Modern Youth Should Be Able to Speak Balinese, Says Culture Official

Bali’s Head of the Culture Office (Kadisbud), IB Alit Suryana, has stated the importance of the Balinese language and script as the identity of the Balinese people. This was conveyed whilst delivering a speech at the Nyurat Aksara Bali (Balinese Script Writing) event held in the Kura-Kura Bali Special Economic Zone on the occasion of the 8th Balinese Language Month.

Alit Suryana stated that the Balinese language and script represent the soul of Balinese life. According to him, every phase of Balinese society’s life is inseparable from Balinese literature and script—from before birth, during childbirth, through to daily life.

“Every breath of a Balinese person’s life is always connected to Balinese literature and script. This is what the younger generation must understand,” he said.

Suryana also explained why Balinese Language Month falls in February, relating to UNESCO’s designation of 21 February as International Mother Language Day. Therefore, he emphasised that the use of Balinese language in daily life should not be limited to February alone, but should become a habit in everyday life at home, school, and the workplace.

To preserve the Balinese language among younger generations, Suryana also called upon Balinese language educators to become figures capable of imparting knowledge and fostering love for the Balinese language and culture. He also urged parents to encourage their children not to be embarrassed about using Balinese.

“A hip Balinese child is one who knows and can speak Balinese. Secondly, they can speak Indonesian, and thirdly, they are able to speak a foreign language,” he said.

In his remarks, Suryana also expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of younger generations participating in digital-based Balinese language competitions conducted online. Approximately 1,200 participants from various regions including Lombok, Jakarta, and Sulawesi took part in competitions for short story writing, Balinese language poster design, and short films in Balinese.

According to him, the use of technology that young people enjoy has become an appropriate medium for introducing the Balinese language and script.

“The technology that young people love is extraordinary. They are very enthusiastic about participating in online competitions, from short stories, Balinese language poster design, to short films in Balinese,” said Suryana.