Every time indigenous languages come up for discussion, I couldn’t help but recall my brief conversation with a friend from Belgium when he visited Semarang back in 2005. He made it clear that he’s fascinated by the variety of languages that Indonesians speak. Most people, he argued, speak at least two different languages: her/his native language and Indonesian. He admitted that there is no such thing as Belgian mother tongue. In everyday life, his family and he speak Dutch, French, or German.

Javanese script: most valuable treasures and knowledge might be preserved in indigenous languages.

Now compare to what languages we are capable of communicating in: perhaps Javanese or Bataknese, Indonesian, English, and other foreign languages. This excludes any subethnic languages that are also prevalent across the archipelago. It would certainly be a shame if we ignored the continuity of those many indigenous languages ​​simply by avoiding their daily use.

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This is what makes La Ode Mursalim both concerned and thrilled. Born in Watuputih, a small island in the Southeast Sulawesi, the young and optimistic Mursalim uses his abilities as a programmer to preserve an indigenous language. With programming skills, he has created an Android-based Tolaki Language Dictionary application. He was not hesitant at all when he started the project because he had noble goals for his region as well as the native people.

The journey he had taken is indeed worthy of appreciation. It is a bitter fact that not many young people are encouraged to do something for their native region in terms of local languages. What most youths have been working on tends to be economic and entrepreneurial projects that quickly generate profits. It's not necessarily bad, but cultivating culture in terms of language is no less important for the future of our nation.

Endangered indigenous languages

Have we ever imagined that a culture vanished because there was no one left to care for it? To be able to care for it requires a good understanding of the language because cultural treasures—whether in the form of printed literary works, reliefs, or oral stories—are packaged in a particular language. If no one understands it, then society will not find it odd that something is actually missing. More to the point, the fast-paced movement of the times with various advances, especially digital technology, has likely made everyone to be obsessed with their gadgets.

According to the UNESCO, Indonesia is recorded to have 718 indigenous languages ​​spoken by thousands of tribes (as well as sub-tribes) from Sabang to Merauke. In addition to Javanese which was admired by my Belgian friend, there are also Sundanese, Minang, Buginese, Madurese, Acehnese, Banjarese, Batak, and hundreds of other native languages.

However, behind the unique linguistic diversity, it turns out there are other worrying facts. CNN Indonesia once published that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) has determined that there are at least 25 indigenous languages ​​in Indonesia that are threatened by extinction.

Dozens of languages ​​are threatened to be extinct, one of which is owing to fewer and fewer speakers of the languages. Local residents who use it are on average age of 20 years and over so it is considered minimal. As the digital era develops, it is said that the older generation no longer speaks these local languages ​​to their children. Indigenous languages ​​are only used to communicate with the older generation who are the same age.

So what indigenous languages in Indonesia ​​are threatened with extinction? According to the same finding, there is the Sangihe Talaud language from North Sulawesi, the Konjo language from South Sulawesi, the Bajau Tungkai Satu language from Jambi, the Lematang language from South Sumatra, the Minahasan, and the Gorontalo Dialeg of Suwawa from Gorontalo. This is of course what’s recorded as data, while the actual facts may vary due to the vast region of Indonesia, both ethnographically and geographically.

Efforts to prevent language extinction

Under the auspices of the Kemendikbudristek, the Agency of Language Development and Coaching does not stand idly seeing this worrying phenomenon. Based on a thorough research, concrete steps were formulated through an activity entitled Revitalisasi Bahasa Daerah (Indigenous Language Revitalization) as part of the Merdeka Belajar program. Through this program, the younger generation is invited to learn indigenous languages, especially for those who are still attending elementary and middle school.

"This is where maestros, artists, and figures who master indigenous languages, as well as indigenous songs, are performing to deliver speeches, storytelling and other arts," said Abdul Khak to CNN Indonesia on Wednesday, June 29 2022.  Khak is the Head of the Center for Language and Literature Development of the Agency of Language Development and Coaching.

Khak further said that indigenous languages ​​ considered vulnerable to extinction were then taught to teachers by qualified speakers. The aim is to form a chain of language preservation, especially binding students as the next generation of Indonesia's future with ancient knowledge and wisdom preserved in the language.

Building a digital presence

In response to the government program, namely the revitalization of regional languages, another thing that needs to be done is to ensure that the 718 regional languages ​​have a digital presence that can be accessed online anywhere, such as the KBBI (the Big Indonesian Dictionary).

It's no longer a secret that now everyone has a gadget in their hand. Even one person sometimes has more than one device. This is why it is relevant to take advantage of the momentum of technological progress, i.e. to bring the very rich indigenous languages into everyone's grasp. The digital availability of local languages ​​will encourage people to use them because it is easy and practical. It will even be more attractive if it is also equipped with treasures of local culture.

Kids enjoy online learning so indigenous language should be made digital. | Photo: personal doc  

In a semi-virtual event held in Jakarta on December 12, 2020, Prof. Yudho Giri Sucahyo, who serves as the chairman of PANDI (Indonesian Internet Domain Name Manager) reminded the importance of rich culture and linguistic diversity in Indonesia to be supported by online access. The main reason is because today's young people are mostly digital natives. You could say they were 'born and raised' by the Internet.

A spark emerging from Watuputih

In the midst of modernization, La Ode Mursalim from Watuputih is trying to do something to save the indigenous language he loves. Technological sophistication is indeed double-edged; while it may be a threat, it also offers opportunities. He chose a positive perspective by developing an Android-based Tolaki Language Dictionary application.

He made the decision because he really loves programming and has been doing it for a long time. Coupled with his love for Southeast Sulawesi, an app of a Tolaki language dictionary was successfully created which can be accessed on smartphones with Android OS. What Mursalim has done is an incredible endeavor to respond to the challenge presented by Prof. Yudho Giri Sucahyo.

The Tolaki girls from the Southeast Sulawesi | Photo: Antara Foto/Jojon

Tolaki is the language used by the Tolaki tribe, which is a native Kendari tribe. Kendari is very important because it is the capital of Southeast Sulawesi Province. There is a lot of cultural diversity and tourism charm that attracts tourists, both domestic and foreign. The exotic Bokori Island is one to name.

Based on La Ode Mursalim's observations, quite a few local and foreign workers visit Kendari for both tourist and business purposes. In fact, their visit is an opportunity that should be taken advantage of. These traveling guests belong to parties who need the Tolaki language application on their devices as a translator to make it easier for them to interact with the local community.

The birth of this application has finally become a profitable solution. On the one hand, indigenous languages can be preserved through digital documentation that can be accessed easily and quickly. On the other hand, local tourism can be stimulated by the increasing tourist visits to Kendari. 

This eventually leads to an economic acceleration for local residents, one of which is from the sale of typical Tolaki woven cloth which has been tourists' favorite souvenir when visiting Kendari, the Southeast Sulawesi.

Typical Tolaki woven fabric from Kendari remains a favorite on the national market. | Photo: telisik.id

How did Mursalim come to create the indigenous language application? This graduate of Informatics Engineering from the Sultan Agung Islamic University (Unissula) Semarang, recounted firmly,

"The original idea for making this application emerged when I discussed with Tolaki tribe friends who wanted an application that translated Tolaki language into Indonesian."  

 

He began designing the app and working on it from early June 2016 and completed the project in August 2016. He admitted that this application was made possible thanks to the support of people closest to him, one of whom was Alfino, who is a student at the Faculty of Industrial Technology of the same university. He is the one who has played a major role as a language translator. Mursalim has also received assistance from the Tolaki tribal community in Kendari in order to complete the application he developed.

The application was developed on the basis of the Java programming language. He claims his application is the first Android-based dictionary for the Tolaki language. This app can display words quickly by translating two languages, i.e. Indonesian and Tolaki. The Google speech feature is also provided to allow voice to be directly converted into text.

The Tolaki dictionary app to preserve indigenous language | Doc. La Ode Mursalim

When the application was released, some of Mursalim's friends had used it to help them complete their final college assignments. There were also some who consulted with him about how to develop indigenous language dictionary apps.

Challenges and obstacles

In carrying out any endeavor, it cannot be devoid of obstacles. The biggest obstacle Mursalim had experienced in designing and developing the application was composing and inputting words into the database. Additionally, it was also challenging to promote the application to the entire Tolaki community. 

Fortunately, he could overcome the complexity of making applications, including when there are errors which were then corrected by fellow programmers and practitioners who are members of an Android developer forum group. He realizes the importance of networking with many groups, especially those in the same profession, because collaboration would facilitate innovation.

The next challenge is the process of inputting dictionary data. As a database source, Mursalim uses the Big Tolaki—Indonesian Dictionary published by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The problem is, this dictionary is nothing but rare, making it difficult to find in bookstores or local libraries. 

“Finally, I went to look for it among the Tolaki people who still kept or collected these dictionaries.

Another challenge that is no less important is the promotion or the introduction of the new app. Promotion was mostly carried out via the social media and did not receive genuinely optimum support from the local government. Ideally, the marketing of the application is done through paid ads so that the promotional reach is wider and more massive.

How the Tolaki community responded

As soon as the Tolaki language dictionary application was completed and introduced, the Tolaki community in Kendari immediately welcomed it in utter contentment. They are fully aware that the first dictionary application Mursalim has just completed will contribute to the preservation of their beloved Tolaki language, which has been passed down from generation to generation as intangible wealth. 

When introducing his innovation, he divulged that there were administrative issues as well as a lack of local government support that made the application remain unpatented. While only hundreds of people have downloaded the application, he considered that a quick win because those who installed it are the Tolaki people who live in the cities of Kendari, Konawe, and Kolaka. More local people are getting aware of their indigenous language.  

 

Kids of the Buton and Muna tribes in the Southeast Sulawesi | Photo: Korchnoi Pasaribu

Even though the downloads of his application have not yet reached thousands, and this application is no longer found in the Google Play Store, Mursalim held up hopes that the little endeavor he is making will not stop here. This is nothing but a first step, like a spark that will ignite contributions from other young people, both in their own region and in other areas all over Indonesia.

This conforms to what he said, "I have also been asked by the people of Buton to develop a Butonese language dictionary application so as to open up the opportunity for this app to appear in other languages."

The initiative that Mursalim has taken is clearly something we need to cherish and appreciate. It’s not about the result, but noble thought and intuitive action. What Sunita Biddu, a digital business coach and social media advisor, who is also an MSME owner from India, confirms this even firmly.

 

She points out that failure is not when we lose. We are only failures when we decide to give up. With this in mind, Mursalim's effort is never a failure simply due to few downloads or less public attention. In fact, he has not failed at all because he has at least taken a positive action based on love for his people and their native language.

Hope for the future

La Ode Mursalim hopes that the application he created can be further developed so that it can translate sentences instead of words. The potential for developing indigenous language applications is indeed massive because Indonesia is rich in local languages. Apart from Tolaki, Southeast Sulawesi is also home to other languages including Butonese, Wakatobi, Cia-Cia, and many more.

It is not surprising that Mursalim’s initiative and fondness for the preservation of indigenous languages has resulted in him being presented with one of the prestigious award, that is the 2018 SATU Indonesia Awards in the technology category of provincial level. 

The message is conveyed when kids understand the storyteller's language. | Photo: personal doc

As the name suggests, SATU (Semangat Astra Terpadu Untuk) Indonesia Awards is a genuine appreciation from PT Astra International, Tbk to honor young people who have contributed to the creation of a sustainable life through the fields of Health, Education, Environment, Entrepreneurship and Technology, as well as one Group Category representing these five fields. 

Referring to a very popular Chinese proverb, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step," La Ode Mursalim has begun a journey in the process of protecting indigenous languages from extinction. In his spirit is love for the cultural treasures of his native homeland or local wisdom which is absolutely a valuable asset to help us live wisely based on noble teachings preserved in the vast variety of our indigenous languages. These are life values and unparalleled blessing that other countries might envy us so we need to locate and conserve them at all cost the entire time.

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