Tarakan, August 10, 2026 — Monitoring and evaluation of the Bulungan language revitalization program were conducted in Tarakan City and Tanjung Palas District, Bulungan Regency, from August 4 to 6, 2026. In Tarakan City, the monitoring team visited two schools, namely SDN 029 Tarakan and SMPN 14 Tarakan. At SDN 029 Tarakan, the team was welcomed by the principal and the lead teachers. The school has participated in the Bulungan language revitalization program since 2023. Lead teachers Rusmiati and Syafarida have consistently shared their knowledge of the Bulungan language with colleagues and students. Although the students comprises various ethnic groups beyond the Bulungan community, both lead teachers remain committed to preserving the language. The monitoring team also assessed the school’s readiness for the FTBI selection process by observing storytelling performances and traditional songs delivered in the Bulungan language.
The team then proceeded to SMPN 14 Tarakan, where they were received by lead teacher Sapriansyah and instructor Agung. The team watched a performance by students who had been trained to deliver speeches in the Bulungan language. SMPN 14 Tarakan conducts a literacy support initiative known as the “Literacy Arts Showcase,” held every Friday. During this event, students are free to express themselves and display their artistic talents. It is through these showcases that students are selected for further training to participate in the FTBI selection.
Additionally, the monitoring team visited two schools in Tanjung Palas District, namely SDN 014 Tanjung Palas and SDIT Nurul Hikmah. At SDN 014 Tanjung Palas, the team was welcomed by Principal Dewi and lead teacher Lina. According to them, Bulungan language instruction for students involves introducing parts of body, greetings, and self-introductions, supplemented by the use of songs. The Bulungan language local content curriculum has already been implemented at the school. The monitoring team also observed the outcomes of this instruction through student performances featuring Bulungan-language songs and greetings.
The team then visited SDIT Nurul Hikmah, where they were welcomed by the vice principal and lead teacher Sofie. According to Sofie, the Bulungan language is taught through co-curricular activities i.e. learning that takes place outside regular class hours yet remains part of the curriculum. During the visit, the monitoring team observed the implementation of Bulungan language instruction, which included teaching numbers and songs in the language.
The monitoring team also paid a visit to the Agency of Education and Culture of Bulungan Regency, where they were received by Setim Jalung, Head of Primary Education Division. Bulungan Regency has implemented local content curricula for the Bulungan, Tidung, and Dayak (Kenyah) languages. According to Jalung, the implementation of local content in Bulungan Regency is tailored to the specific communities in each area.
Monitoring results from Tarakan City and Tanjung Palas District indicate that schools in both areas have successfully implemented Bulungan language instruction. Furthermore, lead teachers and instructors have adequately prepared students for the FTBI Festival. (am)
Translated by Muhammad Erwin Darma