Pangkalpinang (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) of the Republic of Indonesia has revealed that 11 regional languages in Indonesia are facing extinction due to dwindling numbers of speakers.
Hafidz Muksin, Secretary of the Language Development and Enhancement Agency of Kemendikbudristek, stated during the commencement of a coordination meeting on the revitalization of regional languages in Bangka Island on Thursday (03/07/2024) evening that the disappearance of these regional languages is primarily due to the lack of usage and transmission to future generations.
He provided insights into the current status of regional languages in Indonesia, indicating that 24 regional languages are still actively spoken by all members of the respective ethnic groups. However, 19 languages are in a vulnerable state with relatively few speakers, while 3 languages are experiencing decline.
Furthermore, 25 languages are classified as endangered, with a majority of speakers aged 20 years and above, and limited transmission to younger generations. Additionally, 5 languages are considered critically endangered, with speakers primarily aged 40 years and above, and with minimal numbers of speakers.
Muksin highlighted that the majority of extinct languages are from the eastern part of Indonesia. He identified 11 extinct regional languages, including Tandia in West Papua, Mawes in Papua, Kajeli or Kayeli in Maluku, Piru in Maluku, and Moksela in Maluku, among others.
“In eastern Indonesia, there are many regional languages but fewer inhabitants, whereas in western Indonesia, there are fewer regional languages but denser populations,” he concluded.
