Jakarta, September 20, 2026 – The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) through the Language Development and Fostering Agency (Language Agency) announced Adventhius Immanuel Karo Karo and Dania Zahra Ayusti from DKI Jakarta as the Best 1 National Language Ambassadors 2026 at the Peak of the 2026 National Language Ambassador Awards at Graha Utama, Kemendikdasmen, Jakarta, Friday (18/9). The event, which marks 20 years of the Language Ambassadors' journey since 2006, is a momentum to strengthen the role of the younger generation in prioritizing Indonesian, preserving regional languages, and mastering foreign languages.

With the theme "Matribahasa-Matribumi," the 2026 National Language Ambassadors encourage the younger generation to view their mother tongue as the root that supports the unifying language, Indonesian, and shapes the identity of the motherland. Language is not merely a means of communication, but a bridge that unites ethnic, cultural, and geographic diversity that has grown alongside the nation's history of struggle.

The Head of the Language Agency, Hafidz Muksin, advised the Language Ambassadors to be role models in using Indonesian and to foster a love of language and literature, especially among the younger generation. "This role and mandate does not stop with a series of activities or assignments, but is expected to continue to grow into a sustainable commitment and movement. I hope the Language Ambassadors can be part of an education ecosystem that strengthens universal participation in realizing quality education for all through real support and an active, collaborative, and impactful role," said Hafidz.

Acting Head of the Language and Literature Development Center, Hidayat Widiyanto, reported that the 2026 National Language Ambassador Selection took place through selection stages at the provincial level, briefing, final judging, and the Peak Award Ceremony at the national level. According to him, the Language Agency's flagship program is a platform for producing a fostered young generation who can become partners of the Language Agency. "The experience gained during the implementation of duties is a meaningful learning to continue contributing to efforts to prioritize Indonesian, preserve regional languages, and mastery of foreign languages so that it can dignify Indonesian," said Hidayat.

A total of 31 pairs of finalists from various regions participated in a series of assessments before advancing to the Peak of the Award Ceremony. The assessment included linguistic and literary skills, oral speeches, psychological tests, talent shows, writing linguistic and literary articles, making video content, and stage performances. As a result, the Second Best was won by Najwan Eka Murit Setiawan and Siti Syahira Hasnainy Putri from East Java; the Third Best was won by I Km Wikananda Rama Satria Ms and Kadek Dinda Amela Putri Darma from Bali; the Fourth Best, Muhamad Akmal Musthofa and Mitha Afrida Khairunnisa from West Java; the Fifth Best, Gayuh Ardian Fajri and Krisna Puspita from the Special Region of Yogyakarta; and the Sixth Best, Dimas Saputra and Rahma Anggit Khairunnisa from West Kalimantan. Meanwhile, the First Runner-Up was won by Galih Widhia Putra and Geri Melda Rina from Lampung; the Second Runner-Up, Muhammad Berlian and Alifya Aini Fauziyah from West Sumatra; The third runner-up were Zulfiqri Saputra Samsul and Nilayanti from South Sulawesi and West Sulawesi, respectively; and the fourth runner-up were Reyhan Rahmat Ilahi and Nasywa Luthfia Alfi from Jambi. The Best Favorite Male award was won by Najwan Eka Murti Setiawan and the Best Favorite Female award was won by Siti Syahira Hasnainy Putri, both from East Java.

The honorary judges encouraged the Language Ambassadors to not only be role models in language use, but also actively fill public spaces and social media with positive and relevant content. Deputy Chairperson of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Himmatul Aliyah, stated that the Language Ambassadors are a national asset that needs to be continuously nurtured and empowered as partners of the Language Agency, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and regional technical implementation units. Meanwhile, the Main Expert Staff of the Government Communication Agency, Chacha Annisa, encouraged the Language Ambassadors to be active in the community and on social media, while the Special Staff of the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) for the Improvement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Teacher Competence, Maila Dinia Husni Rahiem, invited the finalists to continue honing their skills and gaining experience to campaign for the Trigatra Bangun Bahasa (Building Language Trigatra).

Selected as the Best I, Adventhius Immanuel Karo Karo and Dania Zahra Ayusti expressed their commitment to becoming strategic partners of the Language Agency in developing and fostering language, especially for the younger generation. "We will also collaborate more broadly with the Language Agency and the National Language Ambassadors Association and embrace various parties to implement the Trigatra Bangun Bahasa," said Immanuel. Dania added, "Hopefully, the National Language Ambassadors will not only be an extension of the Language Development and Fostering Agency, but can also be a bridge for needs in the community if there are problems or complaints about language and literature."

With the 2026 National Language Ambassador Selection coming to a close, the Language Ambassadors are expected to continue their role in society through concrete actions that align with the dynamics of current developments. Their presence is expected to contribute to strengthening the function of the Indonesian language, strengthening identity, and increasing national competitiveness through a love of language and literature.*** (Author & Documentation: Language Agency Team / Editor: Rany)

Bureau of Communication and Public Relations
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

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