Efforts to increase the global presence of the Indonesian language were the focus of discussions between Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and members of the president’s staff on Wednesday. The meeting involved Yovie Widianto, Special Staff for Creative Economy, and Raffi Ahmad, Special Envoy for Youth and Artists Development.
Strategic Focus on Creative Economy
According to a statement released Thursday, the discussion centered on positioning the Indonesian language as both a tool for communication and a driver for the creative economy. Participants emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral coordination in achieving this goal.
Learning from Global Examples
Wijaya pointed to the success of South Korea and China in promoting their languages internationally. South Korea utilized art forms like K-pop and film, introducing words such as “saranghae” (I love you) to a global audience. China similarly promoted words like “ni hao” (hello) and “xie xie” (thank you) through cultural exports.
Cultural Export as a Key Strategy
The officials believe the Indonesian language possesses similar potential for global recognition through its own artistic and cultural expressions. Wijaya stated that, of the hundreds of thousands of Indonesian words, “there must be one or two words known by the global community.” The plan involves leveraging music, film, and art to spread Indonesian culture and language internationally.
Related Developments
Related news reports indicate ongoing efforts to disseminate information about the Indonesian language’s UNESCO status and partnerships with institutions like Al-Azhar University to further promote its global reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main topic of discussion during the meeting?
The main topic was finding ways to globalize the Indonesian language, positioning it as a driver for the creative economy and a symbol of national identity.
Which countries were cited as examples of successful language globalization?
South Korea and China were highlighted as examples, with South Korea’s use of K-pop and film, and China’s promotion of common phrases, cited as successful strategies.
What media are being considered for promoting the Indonesian language?
Art, films, and music are the primary media being considered to spread Indonesian culture and language internationally.
As Indonesia seeks to elevate its language on the world stage, what role do you believe cultural exchange programs will play in fostering greater understanding and appreciation?
