Barong Tongkok, Feb. 15, 2026 — The Regional Agency for Language in East Kalimantan Province (Language Agency) convened a Focus Group Discussion on regional language revitalization with educators and cultural practitioners of the Benuaq language in West Kutai Regency on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The event took place at the meeting room of the Agency of Education and Culture of West Kutai Regency.
The discussion was officially opened by Dr. Kamius Junaidi, S.E., M.Si., Head of the Agency of Education and Culture of West Kutai Regency. The session brought together 25 participants, including prospective mentors and candidates for the Benuaq Language Main Teacher Training program, language activists from local traditional institutions, and representatives from the Agency of Education and Culture.
Yudianti Herawati, S.S., M.A., served as the keynote speaker, delivering a presentation on language policy and the systematic development of instructional modules. Her session focused on providing technical guidance for the Benuaq Language Main Teacher Training initiative.
Launched in 2026, the Benuaq Language Revitalization Program aims to strengthen the use and transmission of the indigenous language through formal education. As part of this effort, the Language Agency has developed a Benuaq language enrichment module to serve as a standardized teaching reference for classroom instructors and trainer-teachers. The module development process was facilitated by the Protection Working Team. Participants were divided into working groups to create age-appropriate content for elementary and junior high school students, covering diverse formats such as folktales, regional songs, short stories, stand-up comedy, poetry, and speech materials. (am)
Translated by Muhammad Erwin Darma