Personal Views on Language Law and a Call to Use Indonesian: A Descriptive and Prescriptive Perspective
Language is one of the most powerful tools possessed by humans. It allows us not only to communicate but also to express identity, culture, and the values we uphold. For Indonesians, Bahasa Indonesia is more than a tool for daily interaction—it is a unifying symbol that connects diverse ethnic, cultural, and regional backgrounds under one national identity. The establishment of a language law, such as Undang-Undang No. 24 Tahun 2009, reflects the seriousness with which our country views the role of language. Personally, I believe that the existence of this language law is vital in safeguarding the dignity and function of Bahasa Indonesia as the official language of the Republic of Indonesia. The language law plays a strategic role in standardizing the use of Bahasa Indonesia in various domains, especially in government administration, education, legal affairs, and mass media. Without clear regulation, the function of Bahasa Indonesia could be weakened by the uncontrolled use of f...