Language Agency promotes UKBI implementation for students in Southeast Sulawesi

Kendari - The Indonesian Language Development and Cultivation Agency of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) is promoting the enhancement of students’ language proficiency in Southeast Sulawesi through the Indonesian Language Proficiency Test (UKBI) activities.

Agency head Hafidz Muksin, when met in Kendari on Saturday, stated that the implementation of UKBI is expected to spark a movement to prioritise the Indonesian language in every school.

“This movement is very important because efforts to enlighten the nation’s life must begin with literacy as the foundation for individuals to read, write, and understand context,” said Hafidz Muksin after leading the National Education Day (Hardiknas) Ceremony 2026 at SMA Negeri 7 Kendari.

He conveyed that Hardiknas serves as important motivation to improve education quality. The presence of the Language Agency at the school represents the tangible form of the government’s involvement in motivating students and teachers.

“This is a concrete manifestation of how collaboration between the government, schools, society, and media as the four pillars of education can work together to realise quality education for all,” he stated.

He explained that efforts to enlighten the nation’s life must start with the enthusiasm of the young generation, particularly OSIS leaders and high school students, who are expected to serve as role models for younger students in primary and secondary schools.

“Thus, it is hoped that the flame of National Education Day enthusiasm continues to burn at SMA Negeri 7 Kendari,” he clarified.

Hafidz Muksin also explained that with good understanding, the young generation is expected to become superior, intelligent, and characterful individuals to realise the vision of the Golden Generation 2045.

Meanwhile, the head of SMA Negeri 7 Kendari, La Ode Muhammad Sauf, expressed his readiness to implement the UKBI programme early for his students.

“Insya Allah, we have already started planning this from the beginning, and once our children are actively learning, we will implement it in collaboration with the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Language Office,” said Muhammad Sauf.

The event was accompanied by the handover of the Great Dictionary of the Indonesian Language and reading books to SMA Negeri 7 Kendari.