Semarang Regency, Central Java, October 10, 2026 - Mother tongues will remain alive if the younger generation continues to use them, not just recognize them as cultural heritage. Therefore, fostering children's love for regional languages is an important part of education. Through the 2026 Central Java Province-Level Mother Language Festival (FTBI), the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) invites children to preserve the Javanese language through activities close to their world, namely writing, storytelling, poetry, singing, and comedy.
A total of 560 participants from 35 districts/cities in Central Java, consisting of 490 elementary and junior high school students and 70 companions, took part in the festival held by the Central Java Provincial Language Center on October 9–11, 2026. The students were the first place winners of the FTBI at the district/city level who continued the competition at the provincial level.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, emphasized that preserving regional languages cannot simply rely on school instruction. The habit of using Javanese needs to be cultivated in everyday life, including within the family.
"It's not enough for Javanese to be a local language content in our school curriculum. Getting them used to speaking Javanese at home, in the community, and in various forums is an important part of preserving regional languages," said the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.
According to Minister Mu'ti, personal experience can also serve as a reminder of the importance of passing on language to children. She recounted that she hadn't used it for a long time. When she realized her children weren't used to speaking Javanese either, she began teaching it again. This demonstrates that language transmission requires the participation of parents, not just schools.
The Deputy Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin Maimoen, highlighted the values inherent in the Javanese language. He explained that regional languages not only teach how to speak but also instill etiquette in interactions.
"Javanese doesn't just teach us how to speak. It also teaches manners and morals," said Taj Yasin.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining Javanese language habits amidst changing times and the rapid influence of the media. The diversity of dialects in Central Java, from the Pantura region to areas using the Ngapak dialect, is part of the linguistic richness that needs to be preserved.
The Head of the Language Development and Fostering Agency, Hafidz Muksin, stated that regional languages play a crucial role in preserving national identity and passing on cultural values to future generations. "Regional languages are certainly not just a means of communication, but also a vehicle for noble values, identity, and national character," he said.
This message is realized through seven FTBI competitions: writing and reading Javanese script, reading geguritan (traditional Javanese poems), writing short stories, storytelling, speechmaking (sesorah), performing macapat (a traditional Javanese song), and stand-up comedy (ndhagel ijen). Through these activities, students are given the opportunity to develop their language and literary skills while simultaneously expressing their creativity.
FTBI is the culmination of the regional language protection and revitalization program organized by the Central Java Provincial Language Center since 2021. This program includes training for Javanese language teachers, dissemination of learning in 35 districts/cities, and the organization of tiered festivals down to the provincial level.
These preservation efforts have also yielded impressive achievements. In 2024, the Central Java Provincial Language Center, in collaboration with the Jepara Regency Government, set a MURI record by writing a noble poem using Javanese script on 3,386 palm leaves. In 2025, in collaboration with the Surakarta City Government, the Central Java Provincial Language Center again set a MURI record by simultaneously writing a geguritan (literary poem) by 1,120 elementary and junior high school students across Central Java.
The 2026 FTBI is supported by the Central Java Provincial Government, Semarang Regency Government, Ngudi Waluyo University, district/city governments, teachers, communities, and various stakeholders. The spirit of this festival aligns with the Language Agency's message, "Prioritize Indonesian, Preserve Regional Languages, Master Foreign Languages." Mastery of Indonesian and foreign languages can go hand in hand with a love of regional languages as part of cultural identity.*** (Writer: Uly / Photographer: Irfan / Editor: Seno)
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