Jakarta, July 30, 2026 - The Language Development and Fostering Agency (Badan Bahasa) of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, along with Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), continues to promote literacy development as preparation for facing the development of digital technology. This effort was realized through the dissemination of a translation program and discussion titled "Transforming Language and Literature Learning in the Digital Era," held in Jakarta some time ago.
This activity brings together educators, literacy activists, language activists, and various stakeholders to broaden understanding of translation programs as well as the use of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), in language and literature learning.
The Head of the Language Development and Fostering Agency, Hafidz Muksin, explained that the Language Agency is currently implementing four priority programs, namely the dignity of Indonesian language and literature, strengthening literacy skills, preserving regional languages and literature, and internationalizing Indonesian.
According to Hafidz, literacy is a crucial foundation for developing human resources capable of adapting to changing times. "Without literacy skills, particularly basic reading and writing, it will be difficult for us to acquire knowledge, technology, insights, and other skills," he said.
He also revealed that the Indonesian language continues to receive international recognition. "We should be proud that Indonesian has become an official language at the UNESCO General Assembly, and that it is currently taught in 62 countries through the BIPA program," Hafidz said.
Meanwhile, Iwa Lukmana, Head of the Language and Literature Empowerment Center, reported that the Language Agency's translation program has produced thousands of translated books, both from foreign languages into Indonesian and from regional languages into Indonesian. The program has also produced new writers and translators through the Agency's 30 Technical Implementation Units (UPT) across various regions.
Kurniasih Mufidayati, Deputy Chair of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, expressed her support for the Language Agency's various programs. Amid budgetary challenges, she believes strengthening literacy and a love of the Indonesian language must continue to be instilled in the younger generation.
"I entrust a message to teachers on how to instill pride in our students for the Indonesian language, Indonesian literature, and regional languages," he said.
Kurniasih also highlighted the importance of equitable distribution of Indonesian language teachers in schools, particularly in Jakarta, so that literacy development can be felt by all students. In the discussion session, participants were encouraged to understand the use of AI to support creative, innovative, and productive learning, while upholding ethics, academic integrity, and religious values. Concluding the event, Kurniasih emphasized that technological advancement must go hand in hand with character development through literacy.
"Technology can indeed accelerate access to knowledge, but it is literacy that will provide the direction for character building that makes everything more meaningful, in line with the nation's noble values," he concluded. *** (Author & Documentation: Language Agency Team)
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