OCTOBER IS ONE OF SPECIAL MONTHS IN INDONESIA

OCTOBER IS ONE OF SPECIAL MONTHS IN INDONESIA

Hello U-News friends….

Do you know what month it is now? Is there anything special in this month?

Yes, this month is October. October is one of the historic and special month for the Indonesian people because this month is celebrated as the month of language.

Why October?

There is a historic event in the month of October. The incident occurred precisely on October 28, 1928, namely “Sumpah Pemuda”. In this event, the official language used for communication by the Indonesian people was also determined, namely the Indonesian language of unity. Therefore, until now October is celebrated as the month of Indonesian language and literature.

Indonesia, which consists of thousands of islands with various tribes, races and cultures, certainly requires a language that can be a tool in communicating and interacting. We should be proud of the Indonesian language as a unifying tool.

Indeed, the commemoration of the month of Indonesian language and literature is not widely known, even by most of the Indonesian people themselves. Usually, academics, language activists, language observers, and people who also focus on activities with linguistic matters only know about it. This month, activities such as poetry writing competitions, short stories writing competitions, speech competitions, and other competitions related to language are held to introduce the public to the Indonesian language and literature month.

The month of language has been going on for a very long time. The event, which aims to improve the dissemination of language and literature in Indonesia, has been held every October since 1980 by the Language Development and Development Agency. At that time it was called Language Month. It was only in 1989 that Language Month was changed to Language and Literature Month. That means the name Month of Language and Literature has been used for 32 years. Nonetheless, it seems we are more familiar with the short name.

Prioritizing Indonesian is something that is very necessary. This is not only the task of the Language Development and Development Agency (BPPB), but also the task of all Indonesian people. Furthermore, as a form of BPPB's efforts to foster and develop Indonesian language and literature, the Language and Literature Month is held every year. Well even so, having the ability to speak a foreign language is also a necessity and becomes important in this era. However, never forget our native language. Stay proud of our national language, Indonesian. Let's celebrate language month with enthusiasm as proof of our love for language.