Jayapura, Jubi – The Papua Language Center held a coordination meeting with local governments from March 5 to 7, 2024 as a joint commitment to revitalizing regional languages.
“This event was attended by representatives from local governments from 10 cities and regencies in six provinces in Papua,” said Head of the Papua Language Center, Sukardi Gau at the Suni Sentani Hotel, Jayapura Regency, on Wednesday (3/6/2024).
Following the launch of the 17th Independence to Learn program, the Center has proactively implemented the Local Language Revitalization program through three stages: survey and coordination; learning and training; and performances and festivals.
“This year, 2024, is a coordination phase where we need to sit down together to discuss the steps we are taking to ensure that local languages remain alive and thriving. Do not forget, the values of wisdom found in literature serve as assets to strengthen the identity of future generations,” he said.
“This is a shared responsibility. Local governments certainly have a major responsibility in the preservation of regional languages. We at the Language Center represent the Ministry of Education and Culture to facilitate this activity so that there are joint steps,” he said.
Through this coordination meeting, a joint commitment will also be built regarding the local language revitalization program, especially for the ten local languages in areas involved.
Sukardi Gau hopes for collective steps or commitments in the regional language preservation program, including involvement from various sectors such as cultural and traditional leaders, religious figures, artists, academics, school supervisors, school principals, teachers, literacy activists, parents, and children.
“We can no longer consider that regional language matters are unimportant or something that we can simply leave to the language speakers. That should not be the case. Law Number 24 of 2009 clearly states that the development, fostering, and protection of regional languages are the responsibility of local governments,” he said.
At the end of the event, a joint agreement formulation was signed. The Papua Language Center is committed to continuing to oversee this joint agreement to ensure that the program is truly optimal. (*)
