Barong Tongkok, Feb. 11, 2026 — The Regional Agency for Language in East Kalimantan Province (Language Agency) convened a Coordination Meeting on Regional Language Revitalization with local partners in West Kutai Regency on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, focusing on preservation efforts for the endangered Benuaq language. The event, held at office hall of the Agency of Education and Culture of West Kutai Regency, brought together 25 stakeholders, including government representatives, prospective teacher trainers, prospective main teachers, and language activists as cultural institution delegates.
The meeting was officially opened by Dr. Kamius Junaidi, S.E., M.Si., Assistant III of the Government of West Kutai Regency, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Regent. In his address, the Regent welcomed the Benuaq Language Revitalization Program, emphasizing the urgent need to counter the declining use of indigenous languages among younger generations. Therefore, this program represents a strategic commitment to preserve the Benuaq language and expand its speaker ship among youth. The regency government stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders, particularly the Language Agency, to ensure its success. By formalizing collaboration between government and stakeholders, it aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for inter-generational language transmission.
Yudianti Herawati, S.S., M.A., Team Leader of Protection Working Team, represented the Head of Language Agency during the event. She underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder synergy in safeguarding linguistic heritage. Through this coordination forum, it hopes every phase of the revitalization program—from initial coordination to the culminating Mother Language Shoots Festival (FTBI)—will receive sustained support from stakeholders within the Regency.
As the keynote speaker, Herawati presented two core topics: “Policy Framework for the Regional Language Revitalization Program” and “the Best Practices in Implementing Language Revitalization across East and North Kalimantan.”
The meeting concluded with the drafting of a joint commitment statement. All attending parties affirmed their dedication in advancing to the Benuaq Language Revitalization Program within the regency. (dk)
Translated by Muhammad Erwin Darma