Kalteng Governor stresses that the younger generation must safeguard cultural identity

Palangka Raya — The Governor of Central Kalimantan, Agustiar Sabran, has urged the public, especially the youth, to safeguard their cultural identity, with the regional language as one of the key expressions. ‘We hope this aligns with our vision and mission. We want our successor generation to be characterful, have good attitudes, in line with our identity and carrying the spirit of the Falsafah Huma Betang,’ he said in Palangka Raya on Saturday. He spoke to reporters after the peak ceremony commemorating the 69th anniversary of Central Kalimantan Province. He highlighted a trend among some young people today who take pride in fluent use of foreign languages such as English while at the same time not mastering regional languages. He did not deny the importance of for the younger generation to master foreign languages such as English or others. Currently, through the Education Office, the provincial government has carried out a programme to strengthen foreign language learning in schools. However, he stressed that this does not mean local languages should be abandoned. He said communities and the younger generation should be able to master regional languages such as Dayak well, and continue to speak them proudly in daily life. ‘It can be a little English or even Japanese, but we must be proud of ourselves and our nation,’ he said. He urged the youth of Central Kalimantan that the region’s future is not only determined by government policy but also by the courage of the younger generation to think big, work hard, and keep innovating. Agustiar said never feel defeated because you come from a region, and never feel left behind due to distance, because today’s world will only be won by those with ideas, character, and the will to keep learning. ‘Compete with confidence. Innovate without fear of failure. Build competencies, master technology, strengthen integrity, but never lose your roots and identity as children of Central Kalimantan. Because the progress of a region is determined not by its natural resources alone, but by the quality of its people,’ he said.