Use `Bahasa', says Governor

Use `Bahasa', says Governor

The public should avoid the use of foreign words which already
have their Indonesian counterparts, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja
said.

"The use of good and correct Indonesian language will
strengthen national unity and reinforce our cultural
personality," Surjadi said, in a written speech read by Deputy
Governor Social Welfare Museno during the opening of a short
course on the use of good and correct language for city officials
at City Hall on Tuesday.

Surjadi was apparently referring to a large number of
billboards and notice boards using foreign words across the city.

The city administration signed a cooperation agreement with
the Indonesian Language Development Center in 1989 in order to
promote the use of good and correct Indonesian among city
officials.

In 1992, the city administration issued a Gubernatorial Decree
requiring the public to use Indonesian language on billboards,
banners and notice boards in public places. (arf)